University of Florida Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.

Jerry from San Antonio, FL

06/29/2009

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

134 out of 144 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

If you're amongst the best of your peer group, then UF is for you. This school has a very strong, long-standing reputation, and only the best and brightest are admitted.

Tips for prospective students

Apply early and get all required documents in early.

Bang for the buck

UF was rated #2 in value recently. Don't remember the source that rated it, but at just over $4,000 in tuition/fees for a year, it's really a no-brainer.

Will enjoy being here

Gainesville is a great university town. There's lots to do especially if you like outdoor activities. Sports at this school are top-notch and there are plenty of things to do when not concentrating on academic endeavors.

Will learn a lot

This is the best school in the state hands down, and is also a powerful name amongst all colleges in the nation, both private and public.

Amanda from New Port Richey, FL

07/08/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

78 out of 82 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Those who are self motivated as the curriculum can be very difficult and no one is staying on top of you to make sure you get things done. Also great for those who like getting involved and are very school spirited.

Tips for prospective students

Definitely get involved with whatever organization/group you can. It will help you get over the whole idea of being away from home. Make sure you study for classes and don't wait until the last minute cause you will regret it. I would recommend living on campus for the first year but not wasting your money on the meal plan.

Bang for the buck

One of the least expensive state schools in Florida and also one of the cheapest housing areas in the state. There is also buses to take you practically anywhere in the area so you don't have to waste your own gas.

Am enjoying being here

The school spirit is so infectious it's crazy. You will love being around for any sporting event whether its gymnastics or football. There is always something to do whether its tubing at Lake Wauburg, floating down the river at Jennie Springs or partying at Midtown.

Am learning a lot

Most of the professors are always willing to help out and make you want to learn. There is also TutoringZone for those classes which pose more of a challenge or teaching assistants who sit around and wait for you to ask questions.

Guirlande from Miramar, FL

07/30/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

56 out of 59 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

The University of Florida is the perfect fit for students that are dedicated in their studies and career path, willing to be an open book and learn something new, able to play hard but work harder, ready for a passionate school spirit, and has an appreciation for diversity.

Tips for prospective students

Going to college is an exciting and overwhelming time for many. It is easy to lose yourself in all the things that are going around you, especially at a large university like the University of Florida. I would advise incoming students to have a clear cut objective before attending the school. You can play but you have to work harder because it is easy to fall behind on your school work. A common problem that students run into at the University of Florida is making a large school feel homey. You can simply solve this problem by joining the endless clubs and organizations at University of Florida. These organizations range from SGA to fencing which makes finding a place to fit in and make friends easy. Another tip I would give is to form a study group for each course that you take and to attend your professor’s office hours. Doing this could be the difference between getting an “A” or “B” in a class. Final tip, live your college years to the fullest because they only come around once!

Bang for the buck

A great education for a great price is what you’re going to receive if you attend the University of Florida. The University of Florida is top ranked nationally as one of the universities that provide a great education for a low cost. The expected cost of attendance and the financial aid that I received from the University of Florida was one of the deciding factors that made me chose the school.

Am enjoying being here

There must be something in the Gatorade or the food that is served because by the end of the year the least school-spirited and least optimistic person that comes to the University of Florida will be chanting “Orange!” and “Blue!” The University of Florida is known for its school spirit, athletics, and student activities. Since the University of Florida is located in a college town (Gainesville, Florida) everything is centered around the school. The Saturday football games are a town affair. On Saturday mornings, you can literally walk outside your dorm hall to tailgating stations, music, and gator fans excited for the coming game. Besides athletics, many student run activities are held at the school. From talent, comedy, and fashion shows, multicultural and diversity showcases, pageants, and the weekly Friday Gator Nights, there will rarely be a time where you do not have something fun to do.

Am learning a lot

The University of Florida is among the nation's leading institutions for research. Top ranked in Florida for academics, students at the University of Florida are guaranteed to learn an ample amount in any field of study. Equipped with professors that are experts in their field, students are given the opportunity to learn, discuss, and watch from the best. The University of Florida is also known for its large student body and large lecture halls. However, the university also provides small discussion sessions for its courses. For an even more intimate setting, office hours with professors and trained teacher assistants are provided for students to take advantage in their studies. As well, the variety and amount of courses offered at the University of Florida seems endless. I have only spent one year of study at the University of Florida, but the amount that I learned during that year can almost rival the amount I learned during my high school years.

Amanda from Boca Raton, FL

08/31/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

35 out of 38 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

UF is a great fit for students who want to continue to graduate school or professional school because the academics at UF are among the best in the state. UF has a very diverse student population. It is perfect for students who want to learn more about other cultures and network. Moreover, athletic students will love the many sports and physical activities that UF offers. UF provides students with lots of opportunities to try new things.

Tips for prospective students

Do not be afraid to go to a professor's office hours. Although it is intimidating in the beginning, office hours is a great way to get individual help and for the professors to get to know you on a personal level which will be great for recommendation letters in the future. Also, I recommend taking a class on a subject that interests you that you never took before. It will help broaden your horizons and help you discover what you want to do. Anthropology was a subject that I was interested and I decided to try it out. I enjoyed the class that I decided to minor in it.

Bang for the buck

The quality of education that UF gives is worth the price. The tuition is reasonable and affordable. Especially with the financial help of Bright Futures and any additional scholarships or grants, UF is a great place to go to for a good solid education that does not empty the bank. UF is a respected institution that offers some of the best ranked programs in the country.

Am enjoying being here

I love being a Florida Gator. I enjoy being in Gainesville and have come to call UF my home away from home. UF has a lot of organizations and clubs that students can get involved with to meet other students and make connections. One of the reasons why I enjoy being at UF is because of the people that I met through becoming involved. Joining an organization or club that one is interested in is a great way to meet others who have similar interests. UF has about an organization or club for about anything that I can think of. In addition, Gainesville has a lot of great places to dine at (another reason why I enjoy UF). Mochi is a great place to grab a snack and Bento is an inexpensive place to grab a meal. I love the cohesiveness that comes from being a part of the Gator Nation. I never watched a football game until I came to UF. It was an amazing experience. To see so many people cheering and having a great time. The atmosphere during a football game is exhilarating. It definitely instilled in me a sense of Blue and Orange pride.

Am learning a lot

The classes here at UF are informative and the information is useful. The professors that I have had are knowledgeable about their field and have a lot of insightful views into the subject. I feel more aware of the world around me and am genuinely interested in the subjects that I am taking because I feel that there is much that I can benefit. Another reason why I feel that I am learning a lot is because of the enthusiasm that some of my professors have for the topic that they are teaching. I am fortunate that my professors can make their lectures educational while at the same time entertaining. UF has many resources that a student can use to receive additional help outside the classroom to ensure that one fully understands the class material. There is a Broward Tutoring Center on campus that provides aid to a various of classes such as chemistry and calculus.

Melissa from Neptune Beach, FL

08/20/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

24 out of 28 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Florida is great for virtually any type of student. Students who love to study in groups, and those who would rather go it alone; students who want to join a sorority or fraternity, and those who just want to hang with their dorm-mates; students who are outgoing and want to get involved, and those who just want to go to class and relax for the next four years. UF offers so much, you're bound to find a place no matter what type of person you are. The only thing I would caution you on is that UF is a large school, so there are thousands of students and you could feel overwhelmed if you're not fully prepared for that type of environment. If you want your college experience to feel more personal and secluded, then maybe you should look at finding a smaller school.

Tips for prospective students

I would recommend to any incoming student that they live on campus! It's such a great way to meet people and really get a feel for being on your own without having to live too far away from your friends and awesome campus resources. There are things on campus that an apartment complex can't offer you, like the infirmary for if you get sick, the dining halls when you don't feel like cooking, the campus police on duty all the time to help keep you safe, and the friendships with people on your hall and in your building. There is so much more to living on campus than having to live in a dorm versus an apartment off campus. It throws you head first into college life, and provides for an incredible time!

Bang for the buck

Let's face it-- college is expensive! But even with rising tuition costs and sinking economic times, Florida offers so much more than you are paying for. The classes are excellent; top-rated professors, an esteemed curriculum, and a wide variety of topics to study; it's definitely worth the money. On-campus housing rates are about the same as paying rent for an apartment, but you don't have to worry about being too far from your classes. Plus there are lots of great places to eat on-campus, and meal plans to make dining both affordable and manageable. The over all college experience is more exciting and fulfilling than any price you could name!

Am enjoying being here

Granted, UF has a huge campus, but there are so many ways to get involved, you'll forget how big it really is! There are sororities and fraternities, clubs for anything and everything, intramural and team sports, and religious groups for several denominations. No matter what your interests or affiliations, UF will have something for you. And every group has meetings and events to keep your calendar and social life happy. It's incredible what you can find to be a part of, and all the awesome people you will meet along the way. And your classes are a great place to start! Find someone to take notes with or study with, and you could end up joining an ultimate frisbee league with them! Even if you aren't a part of any club or team, there are always movie nights and bar-b-ques provided by student groups where you can get out for a good time and meet people who live in your area of campus. Long story short, there's never a dull moment on campus.

Am learning a lot

With every class I take, I learn so much more than I thought I would! UF has such diverse classes that you can take just about anything and you're guaranteed to learn tons! From foreign languages to math classes, and Russian literary styles to entomology classes, Florida offers anything you could possibly be interested in, and presents it to you in a way that will make you WANT to learn.

Nicole from Clermont, FL

07/29/2009

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

18 out of 21 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

University of Florida is great for students who: have a genuine interest in learning; are willing to ask and work for what they want; appreciate school spirit; can find a balance between work and play.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved on campus! UF is a very big place, and it's easy to feel isolated at first. We have over 800 organizations, so join a few and make friends. Also, be proactive about your education. With so many students on campus, you have to make an effort to stand out. Go to professors' office hours and meet with an academic advisor once a semester.

Bang for the buck

This is particularly true if you are a Florida resident. Many students attend on a Bright Futures scholarship, which covers most of tuition. Attending a Top 50 US University for next to nothing is incredible.

Will enjoy being here

The great thing about UF is that the students love being Florida Gators. I haven't even started classes yet, and I (like many freshmen) already have a weeks worth of Gator shirts. We take great pride in our campus, and there's an overall positive aura of school spirit at UF.

Will learn a lot

UF is a Research 1 facility. Most faculty conduct their own research in their academic fields and are great resources. There are a multitude of tutoring services available & professors are very approachable at office hours.

Kathryn from Gainesville, FL

12/06/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

14 out of 18 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Students who loves sports, passionate about the Gators, enjoy a great academic setting, willing to try new things. I feel like UF has a place for every single person. You just have to search out and find it.

Tips for prospective students

Try to get involved in something that you absolutely love. Don't join every single thing, but join one or two things that you are truly passionate about. Also, try new things because you never know who you are going to meet or if you may decide to fall in love with it. I decided to rush for a sorority my sophomore year, and I am so in love with it now and I do not regret my choice. As far as schooling goes, read and takes notes, go to class, and use Tutoring Zone (an off campus tutoring service). As long as you put time in, you'll do fine.

Bang for the buck

The University of Florida is definitely worth the tuition and other costs to attend here. Not only do you get an excellent education (one of the top in the country and state might I add), but you also get a numerous amount of other free perks with the money you've paid. First of all, there is free printing on campus to print out notes and papers. The libraries are excellent places to study. If you are bored on Friday nights, there are Gators nights where you can get free food, watch the latest movies (for free), and create crafts. If money is an issue, there are many job opportunities on campus that are great ways to get some extra money. I have two on campus!

Am enjoying being here

I was really worried that the University of Florida was going to be too big of a school for me seeing as I was looking at smaller private colleges; however, after being here for 3 semesters I have come to love UF and being a Gator. I actually fell in love with it during the first game day my freshman year. There is so much to do for free on campus and all over Gainesville. Will NEVER be bored.

Am learning a lot

I am definitely learning a lot more here than I did in high school. I thought I had a great background in some areas, such as chemistry, biology, etc., but at college, professors go into a much greater depth than I ever expected. I am a pre-med student and I have learned so much in all of my classes. I especially learned quite a bit of useful information in my Physiology class and knew I was doing the right thing with my life.

Olivia from Largo, FL

04/04/2010

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

11 out of 15 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

You are safely within the top 5% of your class (in terms of class rank). You have one or more passions (a team sport played all four years, volunteer service, arts/drama, etc.). Your SAT/ACT composite exceeds or meets the 88th%-ile. You have a lot of good ideas to share and are a good essay writer..you're not afraid of a challenge or of being surrounded by like peers.

Tips for prospective students

Get everything together early and be as prepared as possible to apply by that November 1 deadline - UF has scrapped Early Decision along with a few ivies in the country.

Bang for the buck

Because I have 100% (100%) Bright Futures, I will end up paying only $1,004 in tuition over the next FOUR YEARS if I am a full-time student (I calculated this per credit hour - and I will complete 12 credit hours/semester). Living expenses total about $10,000, and a little more if you decides to bring a car (though it's completely unnecessary if you're in a pinch - all Gators get free bussing around Gainesville via the bus system).

Will enjoy being here

Gator Nation is infectious! There is not one city in the state of Florida that isn't aware of who Tim Tebow is. The sports culture is a bit over the top, but it makes for excellent school spirit and an exciting atmosphere filled with internationals and out-of-staters attracted by the ra-ra atmosphere.

Will learn a lot

The best in the state for my major (Biology/Biochemistry). An engineering powerhouse and recipient of the most national grants for health-related research in the state of Florida.

Lidia from Miramar, FL

Those who work hard and are willing to continue working hard. As well as those who want to be away from home, but not too far away.

Tips for prospective students

For incoming students and those thinking about applying, do it! Make sure to get all the forms in on time, especially your health forms; and make sure to start on your essay early. Work hard in school and make sure that you have a couple of extracurriculars, they really help! Also, when writing your essay, write about something that matters to you, don't only focus on trying to impress the school.

Bang for the buck

UF is definitely a smart choice when it comes to getting an amazing education for a painless price. They offer a large number of scholarships, which you can get on top of your Bright Futures (if you are a Florida resident).

Am enjoying being here

Not only is UF wonderful from an academic prospective, as well as an athletic standpoint, but for all the extracurricular activities it offers. There is literally a club for everything here, whether it be cultural, professional, or an activity that you enjoy.

Am learning a lot

The University of Florida offers a wide variety of courses in pretty much any field that you're looking into. Although the classes can be very involved, the amount of knowledge that you will gain will be worth it in the end. Even the easy classes that are offered will be full of information.

Stacy from Gainesville, FL

01/20/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

9 out of 12 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

All types. I am a very introverted individual and I get a lot out of being at this university. While my roommates rang from the crazy extroverted one to the happy-go-lucky one. There is a place for all students. There is a wide variety of culture on this campus which I love also, it is very diverse.

Tips for prospective students

Buy your books online. Do not buy them before your classes begin unless you are positive you will be taking that course (i.e. chemistry). But for electives and such, wait until you go to the first week of classes to see if you will stick with that class. Do not buy your books from the bookstore unless absolutely necessary. It is a rip off. Online books are cheaper and you can also go to uloop.com where students sell their previously used books for cheap.

Bang for the buck

Bright futures will cover most of tuition cost. There are scholarships on campus but most are for graduate students, unless your specific college has them. Jobs are easily accessible and form to your school schedule. They are flexible around midterms and finals, they understand.

Am enjoying being here

UF is the most amazing campus I've ever seen (including tours of various colleges). The atmosphere is academic as well as allowing time for social activities. There are hundreds of clubs to choose from here also. There are religious groups, science based groups, sports and intramural groups, even salsa dancing lessons! There is amazing fellowship at this school and I would recommend it hands down to any other university.

Am learning a lot

I came to college with 33 credits from high school. I have taken a full semester here and absolutely love it! While the classea re challenging, the professors care for your future and are always open to helping students with material.

Samantha from Oviedo, FL

All students who wish to learn and are willing to do whatever it takes.

Tips for prospective students

Apply as early as possible, way before the November 1st deadline. The earlier you apply, the earlier you can apply for housing (if you are planning on living on campus.) I find that living on campus is really convenient, where you can literally wake up ten minutes before your class and still make it. Off campus has it's perks but it costs about the same as on campus housing and you have to take the bus (which are often times always late.) I suggest living on campus for at least your first year. Also, UF seems to emphasize this quite a lot but GET INVOLVED! Try something new! Get new experiences!

Bang for the buck

UF is one of the top 50 universities in the US and a great education for a tuition of about $4000 a year and housing is about $2000 for each semester is an amazing deal. If you received Bright Futures you really only have to pay for housing (and of course books and food.) UF also has many research opportunities with top-rated professors available for undergraduates.

Am enjoying being here

At first I did not love it there simply because there are so many students full of Gator Pride. I'm not tremendously full of spirit, but it if you love football or any sport in general UF is where you should be. The energy on campus during football season is astounding. You can walk around campus on Saturday and see a sea of orange and blue everywhere (as well as some people of the rival school.) I lived next to the stadium and you can definitely hear everything going on. If you're not into the gator spirt, as time goes on however you will make friends and get involved in different clubs. It will get a lot more comfortable and there are always many other activities going on around campus. Definitely get involved around campus, it will make the UF experience completely worth it.

Am learning a lot

As for all colleges, you really do have to take your education into your own hands. If you want to learn you will learn. UF is an amazing school with sometimes hundreds of students the lecture halls with many brilliant and enthusiastic professors always available for their students. Though the lectures are full with a lot of students there are smaller groups of students taught by a teaching assistant (TA) to compliment. If you are having any trouble at all you just have to approach your TAs or professors during their office hours and (though it seems obvious) talk to them. This also will be very helpful when you need recommendation letters later on. There are also other campus resources such as TutoringZone, your TAs, Smokin' Notes, Broward Teaching Center, etc. that are very useful for understanding any classroom material.

Shawna from Gainesville, FL

01/04/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

7 out of 7 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Campus is swarming with safety patrols. Also, speed police dial stations are lit up and working for what it seems every 30 yards. At night a free service is set up to drive students on campus called S.N.A.P. If there is any suspicious activity, the university sends out both a text and an email so you can know what locations to avoid if there is a situation. Also follow up texts are sent .The university makes safety a huge priority at all hours.

Greek Life

Kinship, charities, academic success, Greek life is active and making a statement on campus. If going Greek is something you would like to do there's an option for you!

Clubs and Activities

Almost 1,000 clubs, need I say more? There are endless choices and opportunities offered for students. If you have an interest chances are a club is already made. If it's not made, you can make it! There is a division of the university set aside just for students to find an activity right for them.

Great for these types of students

There's so many majors and things to do on campus, and off that literally anyone can have great success at UF. Just put academics first, and look rigor in the eye and face it without fear, and the university is great for you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

An unusual tradition is each winter The Great Underwear Dash takes place on campus. Like the name states, students donate their clothes to Operation Cover-up Gainesville which gives the clothes to homeless in the city to bear the colder months, and then run through the campus bearing their down unders. A little obscene, but a loved tradition nonetheless!

Bang for the buck

The university is prestigious and the degree will look great for future employers and Gator enthusiasts, however many classes are online and paying the exact same price for online instruction for me is unnecessary. However, upper level courses are catered to your interests and are much smaller than the lower level courses.

What to do for fun

The university excels at offering activities for students for free or low priced fun. For example, on Fridays the university offers a free movie night for students. You can get soda, popcorn, breakfast at midnight, and also get free things that the university brings in. By free things: a realistic metal street sign with your saying of choice, caricatures, cotton candy, and many more! There are a ton of clubs to join (almost 1,000) that you can join such as a quidditch team for Harry Potter fans. There's also recreational sports, free water skiing and boat rentals at lake Wauburg, and if going to night clubs is your cup of tea, there's that as well.

Food and Dining

I'm biased because I found an amazing job with Gator Dining. The food options are somewhat limited because there are multiple food locations with the same fast food such as Subway, Starbucks, Freshens, and Chick- Fil- A, but the locations make it easy to get food when you need it, and the hours are decent. There are two dining halls which you can always find something to eat and it makes a great location to make study buddies as well! The university offers many payment options as well so you can find an option that not only works for your schedule, but your wallet.

Dorm Life

Dorms are what you make of them. Living in a dormitory can open your college life up to a world of new friends, social events, and even study groups. It's hard to make friends in college since your peers will mostly change in each class you attend, so living in a communal habitat is the perfect way to make lifelong relationships. Just be sure to make ground rules with your roommate and respect those rules, and personalize your living space!

Academic Rigor

Many classes offered are easy A classes, allowing you to keep your G.P.A consistent. Your required coursework classes are large and because of this size your teacher will not be able to cater to your specific needs. Thus, study on a two hour per each lecture ratio (more if needed!), and look for study groups, attend office hours, and possibly get tutoring. The university offers free tutoring as well.

Tips for prospective students

Just like any post secondary choice you decide to take, apply for financial aid and scholarships and do not stop once you're out of high school. Also, think of college as a way of being whoever you want to be, it's your time to mature and find yourself and become independent, utilize this time!

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a prestigious public university dedicated on accepting prospective students with not only a yearning for higher education, but a passion for involvement in extracurricular activities which allows the student to grow socially, and learn about their self, which will enable a great success after college.

Take 13-14 credits your first semester. This may seem like a little, but you should have a light load so that you can not only adjust properly, but so that you can see all the campus has to offer. Classes that may not have seemed hard in High School will be difficult here. The most important thing to remember is that this is not High School. You can't procrastinate, if you need help ask because there are thousands of resources on and off campus, and don't expect any sympathy from your professors. Professors are only working to help you if your making the effort to help yourself. In all this do try to have some fun because it can be stressful and you need to relax. Get involved and meet people.

Bang for the buck

There are a lot of on-campus resources, but it comes at a hefty cost. Tuition and housing was just raised last year. When you add this to the cost of books, meal plans, parking decals, and lab fees this can come out to be expensive.

Am enjoying being here

The people are all very nice and accommodating. You are never bored living on campus because each night there is something to do. The gym offers free classes, there are thousands of clubs, you can get involved in the student government, etc. There is literally something for everyone.

Am learning a lot

Each class here expects a lot from their students and if you are willing to do all that is required you will come out knowing a lot.

Cory from Ann Arbor, MI

01/16/2010

Reviewer is A past student here.

5 out of 5 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Really, anyone can be a part of the Gator Nation. Majors in medicine, engineering (especially architecture), and chemistry are some of the best in the nation. All the other majors are also highly ranked. If you want to have a great education (many graduate schools prefer students from UF) AND have fun, then you're a Gator at heart and UF is the University for you.

Tips for prospective students

Prospective students should really try to have ALL documents in to the school EARLY. Be sure to get a recommendation from some one who REALLY knows you. If you had a teacher for two or more years, he/she would be the best choice. Also, when you approach the teacher for the letter of rec, bring a copy of your resume and have many questions and answers about yourself typed up so they can understand who you are not only in class, but out of it. Be sure to follow all essay guidelines. Do NOT go above the word count but don't go to far below.

Bang for the buck

It's a public school AND it's more prestigious than many private schools! The price is just right. The meal plans are great, housing has a large range of choices, so YOU choose how much you want to spend. As I said before, you can have fun FOR FREE. Hundreds of people go to those events so you can meet people there too. Also, the financial aid center is great and you can just go there if you ever have a problem.

Am enjoying being here

Frankly? This school is EXCELLENT to have fun. Right now it is considered the second party school of the nation. There is always something to do in Gainesville, Florida. There are great restaurants all around the campus - independently owned and the regular chains. There are many different clubs so your style can always be matched and if you don't want to spend money, there are always parties in the apartments that are incredibly close to campus. The bus system is great and will get you anywhere in G-Ville, including downtown, the airport, the mall and all of the surrounding residential complexes. There are also TONS of fun events hosted by the school itself. Every Friday night (Gator Nights) at the Reitz Union located at the center of campus, there is a free movie with multiple show times and free drinks and popcorn. Sometimes they have drawings for free stuff. I won a bag with two movies, a t-shirt, a water bottle and some excellent campus coupons! Others one and iPod! There is the great midnight breakfast - free eggs, sausage, pancakes, milk, coffee, juice, grits, etc. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT - and many other FREE activities such as Neon-Light Bowling, make your own hackey sack, pool, free snow cones and cotton candy, and many others. Sometimes they have real artists that will paint a picture for you or do a caricature. Sometimes they have a professional photographer that can take your photo and put it into a frame for you, FOR FREE!

Academic Rigor

The great number of available majors and minors provide so many courses to choose from that you wont just learn, but enjoy the education itself. By attending this school, you're not just going to a university with an amazing football team, you're attending the most valued school in Florida and one of the top most schools in the NATION. The faculty is great and always available for questions whether it's pertaining to finances, personal issues, major exploration or just simple course questions. All of the classes that I have registered for has been FAR more productive than any other class I have ever taken.

Christina from Gainesville, FL

10/12/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 5 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

There really isn't a type of a student that wouldn't love being at UF. Though the campus is expansive and there are about 50,000+ students, it really feels like a small world setting, everyone gets along and somehow, you're connected to them.

Tips for prospective students

The biggest tips one could give are to stay on top of your school work, use all the facilities and student resources, participate in activities, do things that will relieve the stress of classes & midterms/finals. Always carry around an umbrella, make sure to always lock your bike with a U-lock (no matter where you go to college, thievery can occur), and just enjoy every aspect of campus.

Bang for the buck

Also, the University of Florida is extremely worth the money. Again, with the sheer amount of things you can do, it'd be crazy. UF is the Ivy League of the south, with athletics thrown in. 90% of the events are free for students, or you need an activity card (which is only $10). When you pay for UF, you pay for the amazing academics and an amazing college experience, and if your in-state or out-of-state, it's totally worth it.

Am enjoying being here

I've met the most amazing, understanding, and accepting people. Gainesville is so wildly diverse and it's even more clear on campus. There are people from all over the world, from every aspect of religion, interest, and social background. The sheer amount of events occurring on campus is overwhelming in a good way, there's always so much to choose from on your spare time.

Am learning a lot

It's hard not to learn a lot from the professors at the University of Florida. Based on the teachers I've had, the professors are very interactive (even during classes in lecture halls, classes are very easy to participate in) and genuinely care about your understanding. I'm learning more than I even expected. I mean, I knew going in that UF was an amazing academic school, but they really prove it.

Jacquelyn from Gainesville, FL

05/25/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 4 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Whether you have had orange and blue running through your veins since before you were born, or you've recently decided to become a Gator, there is a place at UF for everyone. It is a school for hardworking students who want to learn and who want a great college experience simultaneously!

Tips for prospective students

Check out the different majors and programs UF offers before you sign up for classes so you know which classes you'll need. Do this especially if you are unsure of your major-you don't want to switch and end up behind in the program. Once you're here, take a day to explore campus and the bus system. The best way to learn where each bus goes is to get on one and ride the route. Look up class buildings before the first class, write the names down, and be sure to bring your map. Be aware of the resources available to students at UF. A good way to do this is to enroll in First Year Florida. If not, be prepared to do a lot of research on your own time. Use all resources available to you-office hours, tutoring, study groups, etc. and keep up with all your work. Classes at UF are tough, but good grades are possible with hard work. Get involved in different student groups-at least one related to your area of study, but don't limit yourself to that. UF has over 900 organizations-find one that fits you!

Bang for the buck

Florida has the cheapest in-state tuition in the United States, and UF costs relatively little compared to most schools of the same quality. Most students are on Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship, and most also are on some sort of merit or need-based financial aid. Housing, food, and books are the biggest hidden costs.

Am enjoying being here

Gainesville has a lot to do for such a small town. Gator Athletic events are not only for the weekends-while Gator Football is on Saturdays during the fall, basketball takes place throughout the week during the winter, as does lacrosse, tennis, soccer, and other sports. There's also intramural teams that anyone can play on. UF offers free movies at the Reitz Union most nights, and there are several facilities for exercise and outdoor activities. Lake Wauberg, Ginnie Springs, and Ichetucknee are all popular destinations for water activities and cookouts. There's lots of great local restaurants to try and stores to peruse.

Am learning a lot

I am a student in the College of Engineering and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Every undergraduate department of Gator Engineering is ranked in the top 10 in the nation-it's definitely the best school in Florida overall for engineering. Classes are tough, but professors and teaching assistants always make themselves available to help you, plus there is lots of free tutoring available on campus. UF is a research institution, so many of the professors that you have in class are participating in breakthrough research, and as a result, students can participate and learn about up-and-coming technologies. Also, UF brings many renowned guest speakers to campus every semester. While classes are necessary and informative, you learn the most from extracurricular experiences and research or internship positions.

It's not a cheap school, but Florida residents are scooped in with the extensive scholarships available for them. If you're coming from out of state, it's just not worth the top dollar.

Will enjoy being here

I've lived in Gainesville my whole life, and I can tell you this: the weather is awful. In the summer it spikes to 104 or so just about every day with high humidity, and in the winter it drops to around 30. It's 2 hours from the beach, but in my opinion it's not worth it. The city is moderately personal, but not too small. UF campus is downtown and pretty much the highlight of the city. When Gainesville residents want to go for a night on the town, many of us run away to Orlando, St. Augustine, or Tampa.

Will learn a lot

My father used to teach here in entomology, and conducted research on fire ants and agriculture. There are clearly learning opportunities with active and intelligent professors available. My sister finished pre-med here, then went to Texas to get a degree in pediatrics. She claims the teachers are pretty good, and the learning opportunities were alright for her major. I have heard that the psychology program is very sub-par, and all the music majors I know have decided on FSU instead.

Jenna from Jacksonville, FL

12/20/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 4 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Pre-Health, Pre-Law, and Engineering. There are a lot of different programs, but these programs are some of the best. But this school is geared for everyone and it has clubs, groups, and classes for everyone.

Tips for prospective students

Start early on the application because you want to make sure you get first pick on housing. Also go to the Orientation early to ensure your place in the classes you need. Also try to get Dual Enrollment, IB and AP credit because it will take care of a lot of your General Education credits. You will be able to jump right into your major.

Bang for the buck

The tuition cost isn't bad for all that you get. You get a lot of credits worth your time and the amount you spend on food and housing is a lot less than many people think. The dorms are a great price and the food is really good for the amount you pay for a meal plan.

Am enjoying being here

There are plenty of clubs and groups to join as long with a lot of things to down in downtown and midtown. There are a lot of places to eat and hangout. The classes may be a little difficult but many of the professors are sarcastic and funny, along with extrememly understanding about personal issues.

Am learning a lot

UF is a great university and is definitely the top university in the state of Florida. There are many different classes for a lot of different interests and the classes challenge you to do your best. Even when you take classes you aren't particularly interested in, you will pick up a lot of information in a little amount of time.

Chelsea from Largo, FL

12/29/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

This school is great for the academically oriented who know how to balance classes and a social life. The Greek life here is extensive and there is plenty to do, so a student needs to know how to stay focused.

Tips for prospective students

Try to succeed academically but not at the expense of extracurriculars. I had friends with astounding grades and test scores but lacked other activities who got rejected.

Bang for the buck

Tuition and fees are low compared to other Florida schools especially considering the acadmic caliber, but as a National Merit Finalist it was not the most cost effective school for me. UF's academic award amounts are stingy; as for being a National Merit Finalist I receive $500 a semester, compared to a full ride at UCF, USF, Auburn, Arizona State, University of Texas, and University of New Mexico.

Am enjoying being here

The environment on campus is has a historic feel with the older brick buildings and ancient trees, but it comes at a cost. A few dorms have no AC or heat, and a lot of the classrooms are worn down. There isn't much to do other than go to bars or clubs or nature related activities off campus, but there are plenty of student activities and clubs to keep you busy. I found my niche in the Honors Program.

Am learning a lot

For the first time in my life, I am academically challenged. I went from breezing through AP classes and exams to spending a great deal of time studying and doing work. The vast majority of classes cover a great deal of information in a short amount of time and require you to retain what you learned.

Melissa from Silver Springs, FL

01/15/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

The University of Florida works hard to keep a safe campus. The university has its own campus police officers and K-9 unit, along with various emergency posts located all around the campus. During a campus emergency, urgent texts and emails are sent out to students as quickly as possible to maintain their safety.

Great for these types of students

The University of Florida is great for all types of students. This university focuses on maintaining and openly accepting diversity within the campus. This includes anything from students' ethnicity, to religion, to orientation, etc.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

For students who live on-campus, several residence halls provide different unusual, but fun activities throughout the year. For example, one residence hall holds MudFest in the fall semesters. MudFest is a week of activities including tug-of-war, volleyball, dancing, wrestling, and football which all take place in a giant pit of mud.

What to do for fun

Getting involved within campus activities doesn't just have to include clubs and student organizations. Along with the school's actual sports teams, there are student-run sports teams that meet just as a club would. There are also two recreational buildings that promote fitness and fun through their group fitness workouts, personal training sessions, and their access to pools, basketball courts, etc. Also, for students of-age, there are many off-campus clubs, bars, and hangout spots to go to that are close to the campus.

Tips for prospective students

I strongly advise prospective students to get involved within the diverse school activities and organizations because there are so many different ways to gain experience in their field of interest and to gain new friends, which will ultimately help the new student get adjusted to the campus and to college life at the University of Florida.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a great college to attend because it provides a very diverse environment- which includes diversity within the students, professors, and employees, and diversity within the studies. It is a beautiful university with countless student organizations and ways for students to get involved in the school and their community. Lastly, the University of Florida provides a very upbeat and welcoming environment for new students and families being introduced to the university.

Cristina from Miami, FL

02/22/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

the campus safety is honestly one of the best things about uf. there emergency poles all around campus, if you press the button because you feel like you are in danger, someone will be at your side within 3 minutes. also, they have a free service where, if it's after dark and you are hesitant to walk to your car alone, someone will come and walk you. they also have their own on-campus police force and police station. i have never had to worry for my safety here, and neither have my parents.

Clubs and Activities

uf has hundreds of clubs. they have a skydiving club, a quidditch club, and even an aerial arts club. it is almost impossible to not find something that you would love to participate in. and if you really can't, uf encourages you to make your own club. how do you thing quidditch club came about?

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

there is always something going on. turlington plaza is always populated by tons of students. so much so that it is reported that, turlington has more foot traffic than the front gates of disney world. in addition there are always funky traditions going on. once a year, there is something called the great underwear dash. everyone goes to turlington at midnight and takes off as much of their clothing as they're comfortable with and do a lap around the plaza. the point? all the clothes taking off are collected and donated to charity organizations. pretty awesome, right?

Bang for the buck

as a state university, they are offering you an incredible education for a fraction of the price of private universities. they are well known for their generous scholarships. between that and bright futures/financial aid you will not have to pay very much at all out of pocket. i, personally, don't pay anything and even get money back each semester.

What to do for fun

uf has hundreds of clubs. they have a skydiving club, a quidditch club, and even an aerial arts club. it is almost impossible to not find something that you would love to participate in. and if you really can't, uf encourages you to make your own club. how do you think quidditch club came about?

Food and Dining

i never bought a meal plan either but even without a meal plan i eat on campus quite often. there are really a plethora of places to eat that you can choose from. all the genres of cuisine are represented from hispanic (pollo tropical) to asian (panda express). if you can't find something that you want to eat, then you must be doing something wrong.

Dorm Life

i never lived in a dorm, but that's primarily because i came to uf as a transfer student. however, i would 100% recommend it to anyone. i wish i had lived in the dorms. it adds another dimension to the college experience that everyone should have the chance to take part in. also, it's where a lot of people make the majority of their friends. if you are considering dorm life, go for it.

Academic Rigor

bring your game face. this school will give you an amazing education but you're going to have to put in your half of the work. you'll stay pretty busy, but this school also encourages extra curriculars. the first semester will be an adjustment period, but after that you'll learn how to balance everything out.

Tips for prospective students

make sure you know what you want to study. with everything uf has to offer, it would be a shame to waste your time in electives that won't benefit you, while you decide on a major. if you know what you're interested in, it will help you plot a course for your years here, and maximize your time and opportunities.

In three sentences

university of florida is the type of school everyone aspires to go to. as a state university the education that is delivered here is spectacular. you will not regret the decision to attend such a competitive and spitrited university.

Freshman dorms are not the best. However, many dorms are being renovated.

Academic Rigor

The University of Florida classes are very rigorous. Many of the professors are tier 1 professors. Being committed to your academics are key to being successful. Procrastinating is highly discouraged

Tips for prospective students

While GPA is a big deciding factor in admissions, being a well-rounded student is key. A student who has a 3.0 GPA, but is the SG President, and works part-time is better than a student with a 4.0 and is not involved in any extracurricular activities.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is prestigious. The University of Florida has the top Career Resource Center in the nation. The University of Florida has outstanding school spirit.

Heather from Seffner, FL

03/30/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Campus safety does a good job protecting us. They have a texting service that alerts us of any emergency. They are very strict about parking violations and will ticket your car if left where it shouldn't be for even a few minutes. The are like hawks!

Greek Life

UF has a large Greek life that is very involved with the community. If you want to be Greek that's great, if it's not for you then you ignore it and go about your life. It doesn't affect you.

Clubs and Activities

Last I heard, UF has more organizations than any other university in Florida. There is a club/group for just about everything and if there isn't a club for what you want you can make your own!

Great for these types of students

UF caters to both types of students. Students looking for that large university and those seeking a small university. It all depends what you involve yourself with. You can find yourself involved in a program that greatly diminishes the size of the university and you feel as if you have a new little family.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Great Undie Dash is something I look forward to each semester. Participants meet at the potato in Turlington, strip down to their undergarments and run a path around campus. Their clothes are donated to a shelter.

Bang for the buck

I feel UF is a great bang for your buck! (If you pay in-state tuition)

What to do for fun

There are always sporting events to attend and the only one that costs money is football. Go cheer on your team! There is also a pretty good nightlife between Midtown and Downtown.

Food and Dining

I don't eat in the dinning halls, they are ehhh, but the chain vendors like Subway and Papa Johns are always satisfying.

Dorm Life

Ehh, good for the freshman but after that move off and get an apartment with friends!

Academic Rigor

UF is challenging depending on the major, I feel. I am a math major and it is challenging, but my roommates had other majors and they were able to sleep all day and never do work or study.

Tips for prospective students

Stay on top of dates and deadlines. Take classes based on reviews of the professors, not based on the description of the course. What should be an easy course can be horrible depending on the professor.

In three sentences

UF has an outstanding amount of school spirit which is very important to me. UF prides itself on academics and challenges its students. UF is a great experience for anyone wanting to pursue college after high school!

Dorm life is fun and necessary to achieve the full college experience. Not the best dorms out there, but they have made improvements recently.

Academic Rigor

Academically challenging!

Tips for prospective students

Get involved quick! Find organizations that interest you, from hobbies to your major, just find things to get involved in or UF will suck you up and you won't enjoy your time here.

In three sentences

Large school with small school feeling once student involvement is made. Academically challenging but also fun social environment. Finally, UF is more than just a school, you become part of a community across the globe, the Gator Nation.

Student at the Gator Nation

There are often crimes that happen around campus but UFPD (UF Police Department) are quick to respond and they patrol the area often.

Greek Life

There are plenty of Greeklife you can experience on campus! But there have been some hazing within some of the frat houses but the head has taken care of it quickly.

Clubs and Activities

There are Student Affairs services available to students in the Student Reitz Union where people are available to help you join clubs and activities. There are also clubs that come out to different areas to hand out fliers about their club and activities.

Great for these types of students

Great for social, academically focused students! And for those who want a bright future.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Sometimes there are these Midnight Underwear Dash, it's a recent tradition but people gather in front of an area, take all their clothes off and take a run. I haven't actually participated but the clothes go out to charity and its fun!

Bang for the buck

You're getting the best for the money you're paying for college! Can't doubt it. One of the best universities in the southeast, and still getting the bang for the buck!

What to do for fun

There are gyms, clubs, sports you can find all over campus so there no dull moments on campus life.

Food and Dining

If you eat a lot, the meal plan is great for you. If you don't know how to cook, it is also great for you. However, if you know how to cook, I recommend sticking with cooking your own food as it can save you a lot of money and the food is just average in the dining halls.

Dorm Life

Depending on the dorm, studying is possible within the dorms and social life is great. People are friendly and you don't have to worry about being nervous of the community bathrooms. The bathrooms are hardly ever full and there is always a stall open for you to use.

Academic Rigor

Some courses are easy, others are hard. It depends on what courses you are taking for your major. Chemistry and Calculus are one of the more difficult, and then there are other easier courses available to balance out your work.

Tips for prospective students

Try to get the best grades possible and do well on your SATs. There are plenty of things to do on campus so you don't have to worry about being bored.

In three sentences

University of Florida offers a variety of programs, activities, and courses that prepares students for a bright future. Once you are apart of Gator Nation, you feel at home and it is a great environment to be in.

Kristen from Gainesville, FL

12/31/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Campus itself is pretty safe. It has its own police department and blue lights every certain amount of feet and along paths that you can press for emergency assistance. However over the last couple years, Gainesville as a whole has become a little unsafe. Near Sorority Row, there have been many cases of attacks, as well as near downtown Gainesville. I suggest carry pepper spray, never go anywhere alone, don't be distracted with headphone in while walking around, and make sure someone knows where you area at all times. NE of University and 13th street is a sketch area as well.

Greek Life

UF has a very large Greek Life but you don't have to be in a Sorority or Fraternity to have a good experience. Each one does have a house and they have a ton of events together which will keep you busy and you will make a ton of new friends. Greek Life also tends to run student government. Be careful with Greek Life in the sense of stereotypes. Each one is known for something and some people will judge you just for being in one so do your research well and make sure it is right for you.

Clubs and Activities

There are SO many organizations available to students. There is a club for literally anything you can imagine and if there isn't, just start one. If you are into sports, there are about 10 different sports offered each semester with women's. men's, co-rec, competitive, recreational, Fraternity, and Sorority leagues to keep it fun for everyon

Great for these types of students

If you are a city person, UF might not be the best place for you. UF is Gainesville and there is a lot to do for college students but if you like real city life and being surrounded by lots of buildings, Gainesville is not the place for you. If you like the brick building, northern feel, high school spirit environment, this is perfect for you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

All the cheers you will learn at preview but you should definitely visit the bathouse at least once. Also, if you ever live in the Murphree area, there is a door that leads underground and ask someone to tell you the stories of the ghosts. Satchels is a pizza place that is just the best/coolest place ever you need to go. Gator Growl is the Friday before homecoming and its the largest student run pep rally in the nation and we usually get some pretty big name performers. Arrendando's cafe is the 4th floor of the union and is only open 3 hrs during lunch during the week and not many people know about it but it overlooks campus and has great food. After each football game, go to Turlington Plaza and the band/drumline will put on an extra performance.

Bang for the buck

UF is among the top institutes in the US for its worth for the price we pay. Undergrad tuition is very competitive but UF offers so much for our money. Our tuition covers the bus fees (which you will us A LOT), the incredible sports programs, all the clubs, Gator Nights. We have a Career Resource Center, which is the best in the US, that will give mock interviews, critique resumes, find internships, and so much more all for free. We have 2 gorgeous gyms, several recreation centers, in addition to the incredible academics. Having the University of Florida on your resume speaks volume alone but you are getting all of that for a very reasonable price.

What to do for fun

Gainesville is a pure college town. Across from campus is midtown where there are bars, clubs, restaurants to go out at night. Downtown is also right down the street maybe a 20 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride which is a lot of fun. Almost every place is 18& up so freshmen can get in. Every friday UF has GatorNights at the union where they play movies recently in theaters, a lot of cool activities for you to do, food, entertainment, all for free. Downtown there is a swing dancing venue that has free dance on Fridays and they teach you. Saturdays during the Fall are all about tailgates and football. There is a lcoal place where you can go go-karting, mini golfing, skating. UF also owns a lake about 10 minutes away where you can canoe, kayak, water ski, sail, rock climb, have a BBQ, and so much more all for free. There is a bathouse on campus you can go to at night and watch the bats come out, a museum of natural history on campus open to students. Close to campus is a cave that you can go spelunking in. Travel a little further and there a place where you can go skydiving. The beach is only about 40 minutes away so taking a day trip there isn't too bad. There is always something to do and you will NEVER be bored.

Food and Dining

There are 2 main dining halls that offer a large variety of food every day. They always have vegetarian, gluten free, and vegan options. We also have a large food court that has Starbucks, Panda Express, Burger King, Pollo Tropical, Subway, and other places to eat. Throughout campus there are several other places to eat like chich-fil-a, Quiznos, Einsteins, and Jamba Juice. There are just so many options! Every day by the library the Krishna people cook lunch on the lawn and sell it for $3 and it is unlimited. That is a UF tradition that everyone loves and you will soon find out. As far as getting a meal plan, I wouldn't suggest it unless you plan on eating at least 2 big meals every day at the dining hall. The meal plans are only good for the dining halls and most people like eating at other places too. The smallest meal plan is 14 meals a week and I find myself either cooking or eating at other places on/off campus. There are a lot of restaurants right across the street from campus like Chipotle and Tijuana Flats.

Dorm Life

The dorms are definitely not the nicest since UF are so old but it's very livable. I lived on campus for 2 years and loved the convenience of waking up 10 minutes before class. Your dorm is what you make of it and who you live with. Pick roommates that have the same living style, not just people you like or best friends. Most freshmen dorms are community style bathrooms where you share a very large bathroom with 60 other people on your floor. This may sound freaky but it's not bad at all. I never had to wait for a shower or toilet and maitnence people clean it every day. These dorm are also very social and usually where you make most of your friends. You will have an RA (Resident Assistant) who is a student that is in charge of your floor and will plan social events for you. If you get your application in early enough, you might be able to get better dorms where you are in like a mini apartment and have a little kitchen and share a bathroom with 3 other people but those are less social and friendly.

Academic Rigor

Almost everyone comes into UF as pre-med or pre-law which means classes like Chemistry and Calculus are extremely filled. To help limit the students, UF makes the intro classes like Intro to Chem, Calc 1, Bio 1, weed out classes. They are incredibly challenging and a lot of work but once you get past them it is a lot easier. Besides those, the classes aren't that bad. Of course it depends on your major, and there are usually those one of two classes that are just ridiculous, but overall it's not that bad. Accounting, APK, and pre-professional students are among the more challenging.

Tips for prospective students

The first tip would be to submit your application ASAP. You are given preference for choosing on-campus housing based on your application date and the earlier you apply, the better chance you have at getting a better dorm. Next, our orientation is called 'preview' and I highly recommend going into preview with a good idea at what classes you want to take. They try to jam weeks worth of information in 2 days and then make you pick your major and classes on that day and make it seem like you need to figure out your life right then. DON'T FREAK OUT, you can change your major as often as you want and whenever you want. Try to get with a student already attending UF to recommend classes and to show you how the online registration works. ratemyprofessor.com is one of the most helpful websites where you can look up professors and see what other students say about them. Order your books online or from other student, it is cheaper, and don't sell them back to the bookstore, you won't get much. Parking on campus sucks and you don't really need a car since the bus system is really good but I personally like having one. The biggest tip I can give you is to get involved right away and meet as many people as you can the first couple weeks. Don't be afraid to knock on random people's doors, or join a pickup game of frisbee. Everyone is in the same boat and usually are open to meeting people. After the first couple weeks people tend to find their groups are aren't as open to meeting new people. WOW (Weeks of Welcome) happens the first week and ha a bunch of free events and free food. Lastly, have fun. UF is a great academic institute but remember to get involved in extracurriculars and enjoy your time in college because those 4 years go by fast.

In three sentences

UF has everything a college student could ever want- incredible sports program, highly respectable academics, and history that creates traditions and legacies that are over 100 years old. There are hundreds of clubs to join, a very large Greek Life, and a very active nightlife, all within walking distance. Walking around the gorgeous historic campus, experiencing the sea of Orange and Blue during Gator Football, and being a part of Gator Nation never gets old.

Minh-Tam from Centreville, VA

01/17/2013

Reviewer is A past student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

There is a texting system to warn students of suspicious and ongoing activity. There are blue light poles throughout campus in case students don't feel comfortable walking alone at night and need a ride. S.N.A.P give students free transportation around campus at night.

Greek Life

Was not a part of this.

Clubs and Activities

There 900+ clubs so there should be a place for you. There is tabling in certain places around the campus year long. Clubs are always looking for members. I was a part of the Vietnamese Student Organization. I wish there was more focus on culture education versus socializing events.

Great for these types of students

No sure by type. I have seen different students graduate. Balance is the key. You can have fun as long as you know when to stop and hit the books.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Nothing unusual. Go to at least one football game. Eat Krishna lunch. Nothing I can think of at the moment. The thumb and french fries statue, near Marston Library, is a common place to meet.

Bang for the buck

I was able to attend for free thanks to the Florida Opportunity Scholarship. Thank you FOS. If you are a first generation student read about this scholarship. The program is supportive of their students and offers workshops year round.

What to do for fun

Lake Wauburg has fun activities to do like kayak, sailing, etc. It's also a common spot for club members to hang out, so if you're involve in a few clubs no doubt you'll find yourself there.

Food and Dining

Places varies, but there is always a place to buy food closed buy. Unless you don't have money there is no reason to go hungry. A must do for UF students is to try the Krishna lunch, which runs Monday-Friday in the Plaza of Americas. My favorite are Thursday. I don't know if the schedule has changed. The subways are good. Panda Express is okay. There are two. The one in the hospital is better. Starbucks in Library West is the best spot to study sometimes.

Dorm Life

I've never lived in a dorm, but from what my friends tell me there are good and bad dorms. I spent my first year at Jefferson 2nd Avenue and the last three at Cabana Beach Apartments. I liked Cabana more even though it was a 20 minute bus ride to school every day. Jefferson was too expensive for me and the year I lived there the hallway sometimes smelled like trash.

Academic Rigor

I give it a five star, but it all depends on the course. There are easy As with busy work, but if you want to be successful in the real world I advise not filling your four years of college with such courses. There will be courses that will challenge you and make you pull all nighters (shouldn't be the case if you steadily studied a bit each night, but sometimes this just doesn't happen). Spend sometime with the professors, TAs, and your expert friends if help is needed.

Tips for prospective students

It is getting more difficult to get into the university with the average GPA being a 4.2 (resource Princeton Review). My advice is find a balance in community service and difficult high school classes and build a good relationship with your high school teachers. The best scenario would be to take courses that not only are of interest to you, but challenge you. Keep notes of all your community service involvement. What did you do and how did the experience change you for the better. This will come in handy when the college essays come around. If your high school does not offer AP/IB take honors. Just take the most rigorous course offered there. Do the best with what you have.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is packed with resources to help every student be successful in his/her own way. We have an excellent career resource center, over 900 clubs, and activities on campus all year long. There is no excuse to not find your niche.

Alex from Losantville, IN

08/05/2013

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

If you are ever walking around campus by yourself and just feel unsafe or tired of walking, just dial 352-SNAP and a van sponsored by UF will pick you up anywhere on campus! The drivers are paid to pick up students and it can also be used to keep those who walk around by themselves safe. Best of all, it's FREE!

Greek Life

I'm not really involved in this yet, so I do not have any information to share with you!

Clubs and Activities

Like I previously mentioned, there are almost 1000 clubs and just about anything you can think of. There are tons of intramural sports and workout facilities all over campus!

Great for these types of students

This University is great for any student who wishes to excel his or her academic excellence, have fun, connect with others, and get involved all at the same time!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are a couple of odd spots around campus that I am familiar with so far. One spot happens to be called the French Fries area. You can't miss it, it looks as if Ronald Mcdonald created the masterpiece himself! The art program originally put it on a different location of campus, but it was moved to the center for all to see. Also, there is a place known as the Free Speech Zone on campus. Here, all of the trees are painted blue to honor the only place on campus where free speech is promoted. Here, you will find many people expressing their viewpoints on religion, politics, etc. and there's absolutely nothing you can do to stop them!

Bang for the buck

For being out-of-state, I must say that my first year here is rather costly. However, if I would've stayed in my hometown, I would be paying the same rate in-state for four years as I would here for four years. So whether you are in-state or out-of-state, you definitely get the bank for the buck at this fine University.

What to do for fun

Plenty of night clubs for people to hangout at! Also, many lounges or places to study or just connect with other students. With over 900 clubs, there is just about anything you could think of when it comes to finding an activity or group of your interest.

Tips for prospective students

I haven't really attended here yet, but from what I experienced at Preview, the students coming in are very nice, and everyone is in the same boat. Try to get involved in one of the 900+ clubs, they have just about anything you can imagine. For those who love to have fun, the night life here is incredible! With the many clubs and activities going on throughout the whole day, it's easy to connect with others. After just having been here for a month, I've already made five friends. It's great to be a Gator!

In three sentences

The campus is very large and there is plenty of scenery to look at while you patrol. The advisors and counselors are extremely helpful and actually WANT to help you. With an atmosphere of 50,000 students, it's hard to NOT make friends!

sarah from Hollywood, FL

If you are ready to work hard and can handle the amount of people and the amount of parties that will be there and still come out successfully, UF is right for you.

Tips for prospective students

If you are going to the University of Florida intending to party all the time that may not be the best idea. Go into the school ready to work and be challenged.

Bang for the buck

The campus at the University is big and for around $4,000 you get free transportation via bus, full access to the gyms and group classes. The pools, track area, basketball courts and other recreational activities are free to the student. Free movies and food are given on a weekly basis. SNAP is a on campus security that helps take children from one place to another.

Am enjoying being here

There are many clubs and organiztions that are available for people of all cultures and creeds. Your college and even your specific major can have a club or fraternity. This can help you find people of the same occupation as you are trying to go into and can help with finding outreach programs.

Am learning a lot

I learn daily at the University of Florida, the professors are good at their job and have many years of experience under the belt. The classes can be tough but even those difficult classes are learning experiences.

Hannah from Gainesville, FL

Students who love to have fun, work hard, and learn a lot. You will meet so many great people here, and make friends you will have for the rest of your life!

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid to explore new things. Take classes that are completely different from your major, because chances are you will find something else that interests you that allows you to take a break from what you will normally be doing, and may even make you have a double major or minor!

Bang for the buck

Tuition at UF is very reasonable, especially considering the prestige of the school. Degrees from here are looked upon quite highly because of the quality of education offered.

Am enjoying being here

UF is one of the most fun places I've ever been! Gainesville is a great city for college age students, and so much revolves around the University, students have no problems with fitting in. There is always something to do, whether you like the party scene, the outdoors scene, or anything in between.

Am learning a lot

Because there are so many different classes offered, you are able to learn about things that are not specifically in your field, therefore supplementing your learning in other areas.

Current Student from Orlando, FL

10/23/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

It's definitely best for self-motivated students, since there are plenty of people to help you, but you have to seek them out. No one is going to check up on you unless you ask for help. It's also great for people who want to get involved, since there are so many opportunities here! Also, it's great for people who have good time-management skills, so that you can take advantage of both the academic and social wonders of UF!

Tips for prospective students

Definitely visit campus before you make your decision, but don't let that campus visit make or break your decision to come to UF. There are so many aspects at UF that you can't fully appreciate until you come here. Get used to walking, since the campus is enormous, and parking at the center of campus is pretty much nonexistent. Just be friendly and people will be friendly back.

Bang for the buck

UF is a great value, at least for in-state students. The tuition is almost always less than $3000 a semester (unless you're taking a ridiculous amount of classes), and for a lot of students, much of that tuition is covered by Bright Futures (funded by the state of Florida for academically talented students). You'll get a private-school education for almost a quarter of the price!

Am enjoying being here

I love being at UF! There are so many opportunities here--in research, student organizations, volunteering, or really anything else! There are hundreds of clubs, and you're bound to find one that interests you. The people are incredibly friendly. During my first month, I wasn't bored once--and fifteen minutes after I first got bored, my friend came over and invited me to a movie night on her floor! There's some sort of entertainment going on every day--and it's advertised! All you have to do is show up!

Am learning a lot

The classes at UF are definitely rigorous! However, they have classes that cover the gamut of ability levels, so you can personalize your education to your level. The professors are really helpful--definitely take advantage of office hours!

Samantha from Gainesville, FL

UF is especially great for students who want to take serious classes, go on to graduate school, but at the same time have fun.

Tips for prospective students

If you want to go to UF, you need to start preparing for it, NOW. While grades and test scores are important, don't be one of those people who only worry about those things. UF wants to see that you are active in extra-curricular activities. Join clubs, run for class or club office, and try out for a team. If you don't have time for these things because you work, describe your work on your application. Show the admissions people who you are.

Bang for the buck

It's not cheap. UF is one of the most expensive public universities in Florida. However, the cost is worth it when you take into account the credibility a degree from UF is worth, and the level of intellect expected to go here.

Am enjoying being here

Besides the classes, there are many organizations to join. I, myself have become involved with You Can Cure. Besides clubs, there are also dance groups, inter-mural sports, and game day is amazing.

Am learning a lot

There are many different classes available. I've found many classes on Native Americans, an interest of min, and have a friend who took an African style dance class.

If you decide to come to UF, always be prepared to study for your classes. Be prepared to finish your major in four years - I hear it's a hassle to get a semester extension. If you want to make friends, join a club or participate in some extra-curricular activities. It is really tough to make friends in a class with more than 75 students.

Bang for the buck

Compared to the cost of other Florida schools, its average. However, compared to the tuition of colleges outside of Florida, the UF is an amazing financial opportunity. And as a Florida resident, my Florida Academic Scholarship covers most of my tuition.

Am enjoying being here

I love the open air atmosphere of the University of Florida. Being a part of a small college within the University (theater), I know many of my classmates well and have a lot of people I can connect with in and out of class. However, as most colleges are much larger, it would be very easy for a student majoring in liberal arts, science, or math to have some trouble making friends, especially if they aren't particularly extroverted.

Am learning a lot

The great thing about this large research university is that it offers its students so many different classes to choose from. Its a great school in terms of higher learning; most classes are challenging. However, this also means you have to be well-prepared to study for your classes if you want to survive with good grades intact.

Soya from Port Charlotte, FL

12/21/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

This is great for any studen twho loves to learn and hated highschool. I know that sounds wierd but if you find highschool a waist of your life while your just waiting to graduate and go off to learn about the world and actually challenge your mind. I promise UF is for YOU!! It is NOT for the lazy or the socially insecure, because all of the opportunities here require some kind of research (which is working with people) or internship (which is lso working with people).

Tips for prospective students

Work really hard, keep up your grades and when you get excepted don't think that I've arrived, because I'm afraid you haven't, in fact this is just the beginning of a long journey, and that is the same no matter what college you end up going to.

Bang for the buck

You have to make that decision for yourself, but I consider UF a great institution that I entrust with my education.

Am enjoying being here

I love Gainesville and I love the UF campus. There is not a lot here like how UCF has Orlando and Disney world or Tampa has Bush Gardens, but all of these college students here in one small area has a great atmosphere.

Am learning a lot

I learn a great deal here at the University of Florida and I would consider it an unofficial Ivy League school of the south. Although it is a public university, UF is the best choice for in-state, affordable and good education.

Irene from Royal Palm Beach, FL

12/29/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

- Anyone who likes exercising (so many gyms on & off campus!) - Someone who likes being in a small town (you run into people you know constantly!) - Someone who wants to learn how to apply the material instead of just reading about it

Tips for prospective students

- Get involved! If you don't know what you're interested in, visit IDEAL in the Reitz Union. They have student ambassadors who will be more than happy to help you find an organization. - Live ON campus, at least for your first year. Living in a dorm is great for getting to know other students! The RA's are dedicated to maintaining a community within their respective halls, so you're sure to make at least one friend before the year is over. - Beware the unlimited meal plans! The deals may sound great, but many students don't eat enough so they essentially end up paying way more for their meals than they need to. Unless you're an athlete or you just have a huge appetite & don't mind eating similar food all year, do not purchase the unlimited meal plan! - Just because a textbook is listed as required doesn't mean it's required! Wait until the first week of school (drop/add period) to purchase your textbooks. Sometimes teachers change books last minute or mention in class that texts aren't required, even though they're listed in the required texts.

Bang for the buck

College tuition is relatively cheap for the amount you're getting. If you are a Florida resident with the Bright Futures Scholarship, you should only be paying a few hundred dollars per semester. Most of the teachers are dedicated to their jobs, and the TA's are always available to ensure you pass the class!

Am enjoying being here

Since Gainesville is a college town, everything you could possibly need is within a 5 mile radius of one another. Apartments are in great locations, so a trip to the nearest Publix shouldn't take more than a few minutes! The bus system is great, too. Apart from weekends, I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes to catch a bus going anywhere.

Am learning a lot

College is no joke. You've got to learn to manage your time properly, especially if you've entered college with a lot of credit. The main difference between high school & college is that you'll end up learning a lot about yourself and not just the material that's in your books.

Kylie from Sarasota, FL

01/12/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

This university is great for confident, well-rounded, and organized students. Being a large university, it tends to quickly eat up anyone who dares to fall to far behind. But, if you are not that type of student, don't fret. I am not completely either (I don't think anyone is). Also, my roommate is the opposite and is managing to survive. The trick is to keep in touch with a specific advisor and be friendly to every new person you meet, and doors with open up.

Tips for prospective students

If you are going to come to the University of Florida, I strongly suggest you join MULTIPLE clubs. You can always drop them later if you don't like them. Considering the large percentage of Greek life, I suggest you try rushing for a frat or sorority and see how you feel about it. If that is not right for you, it is okay. I ended up not joining, but I love some of the people I met during rush week. Lastly, never be afraid to use the resources the university gives you. the bus system? The rec centers? Counselors? Advisers? Computer labs? The SNAP Bus (look it up)? They are all wonderful services and I am so happy to take advantage of them.

Bang for the buck

Truthfully, as with every college student, I constantly feel as if I am being ripped off in some way. Such as when my teacher wrote the textbook he requires us to buy for $60 for his class. It seems unfair to me, but I think that is just how it works. Looking online for cheap books and small scholarships goes a long way in that sense. Also, I was surprised that UF students must pay for their football tickets, while other Florida universities do not. But, to be fair to the school, the Gators are kind of a big deal (regardless of how well they are doing) and those $11 were well worth every second in that spirited stadium during a game.

Am enjoying being here

This university has so many options available for you to get involved. There are, I believe at this point, over 900 student organizations- from formal ones such as student government, to athletic clubs like crew, to fun clubs such as dancing gators or the quidditch team- there is one for you if you look. The clubs I am in give me sense of community and I can have fun with other people I am in it with. I also love the environment: some old friends have told me that they think Gators are cocky and annoying, but I think that is what makes us great! We are Gators and proud of it. Whether or not you are a spirited person, you can have pride in attending one of the best academic schools in the state of Florida. I am also very happy with how nice everyone is here when you introduce yourself in class. Everyone seems to want to meet new people and have new experiences, which is fun.

Am learning a lot

Compared to almost every other university in Florida, classes at the University of Florida are challenging. Last semester, I got a 3.35 GPA due to my C+ in general chemistry I. I did not get the C+ because I didn't learn anything in the class- on the contrary, I feel like I know TOO much about chemistry now- but merely because I did not put my complete effort into getting tutoring and reading the textbook. As cheesy as it sounds, you get out what you put in. For example, my 1 credit hour education course: I spent hours preparing my lesson for the 3rd graders I taught and I learned so much about how to communicate with them and deal with any issues in the classroom.

E from Jacksonville, FL

UF is great for outgoing students and students that are willing to work.

Bang for the buck

Tuition is going up at UF, just like everywhere else, but it is by no means unreasonable. For the education that you get, it is totally worth it.

Am enjoying being here

UF is splendid. It is nice having so many other students, because there are so many opportunities to meet new people. Gainesville is a great college town. Once you learn the hot-spots around town, you will always be able to find something to do.

Am learning a lot

You will definitely learn a lot at the University of Florida. It can be a little overwhelming when you have 300 students in your class, you just have to take advantage of office hours and any other opportunities you have to get one-on-one time with your professors.

This town is great for the people who like to party and let loose. There are plenty of clubs downtown. Also, if you like being outdoors, this place is great. You can walk everywhere or take the bus (which is free for students).

Am learning a lot

I am learning a lot here, but if you think college is like high school, think again. You have to work hard if you want to learn. The teachers won't feed you the information, you have to read the book, take notes, and put everything together.

Michael from Satellite Beach, FL

06/29/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

UF is great for Type-A personalities - students who are very goal-oriented and ambitious. Admissions tend to reflect this in the students who are actually accepted into UF. Everything is important for a UF student - GPA, test scores, extra-curriculars, volunteer work, creativity, etc. If you pursue all of these with excellence as the standard, you will fit in very well on this campus.

Tips for prospective students

1: Do NOT take more than 15 credits in your first semester. Get involved. You'll be going to football games anyways, so make sure you don't overload too soon and end up dropping classes midway through the semester. 2: Get involved - early in the fall semester, there will be plenty of tabling by the Reitz Union, Turlington Plaza, and Plaza of the Americas for various student organizations. Find something that fits your personality and interests. Build connections early. 3: Make sure to put aside time to study. If you are like me and found high school relatively easy where studying wasn't all that necessary, change your ways! A good method is to allot AT LEAST twice the number of credit hours you're taking for study time outside of class. For example, 15 credit hours means 30 hours of study time outside of class. 4: Make sure to get involved. I cannot stress this enough. The leadership skills, relationships, and friendships you will develop through extra-curricular activities at UF will stay with you far longer than any facts you can learn in class. The degree is important, and classes and studying will teach you how to be a better writer, doctor, or engineer. However, interacting with your peers will teach how to be a better person - a better human. This is true for any college you go to. Don't take those four years for granted.

Bang for the buck

Absolutely. You cannot find a better *overall* university in the state of Florida for the money. FSU might be slightly better in fine arts, and you might have a better deal after a Pegasus scholarship with UCF in computer science, but for a comprehensive research university for the average high school graduate, no university can match the University of Florida in bang for the buck. In fact, Kiplinger Magazine consistently ranks UF as #2 in Best Value in a Public College (second to UVA).

Am enjoying being here

This is pretty subjective, but three of my friends here grew up 'Nole fans and they love UF as current students. Enough said.

Am learning a lot

UF won't hold your hand academically like many of the other state universities in Florida will. You will need to be independent and in control of your own education to succeed and truly learn. Make no mistake, every opportunity is present and available for you to succeed, but you must take the initiative to find and take advantage of them.

Kelly from Indialantic, FL

This school is great for people who know how to study effectively. Cramming doesn't work and procrastinators have a difficult time adjusting. Put in the time and you will get good grades.

Tips for prospective students

The workload can get a little overwhelming so be sure to study hard. Its a lot different from high school. Get involved in clubs and extracurricular activities to meet new people and de-stress. Tutoringzone is an off campus tutoring service that helped me ace many difficult weed out classes.

Bang for the buck

This university is expensive but it is worth it when you get out into the job market and have better qualifications than all your competitors.

Am enjoying being here

There are so many ways to get involved on campus and meet people. The city of Gainesville also has a lot of fun things to do on weekends. Definitely check out Ginnie Springs, Itchnetucknee springs, and Bob's River Place.

Am learning a lot

The level of education is incredible. Professors are so knowledgeable because they are constantly doing research in their fields. Professors have office hours and TA's to help students outside of class. There are so many different classes to take and majors to pursue. Try to get involved with research to experiment with graduate school options.

Kelsey from Gainesville, FL

12/11/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Tips for prospective students

Get involved AS SOON as you get on campus. Live on campus for the first two years. Take a major that you're truly interested in. Start preparation for grad school and law school early. Go to football games.

Bang for the buck

College is expensive, but that's just the way it is. UF actually has the cheapest tuition in the state, so that's a perk. I think that student living is overly priced, but you can't really attach a value to the experience of living out on your own with close friends.

Am enjoying being here

Between Florida sports, the great classes and teachers, the gym, the beautiful campus, the student organizations, the opportunities for work, internships and research, and all of the amazing people I've met in the past 3 years, I can say with certainty that I picked the right school. I love the University of Florida and cannot imagine being anywhere else

Am learning a lot

The major of Criminology is very challenging, but it enhances my love of the law with each class. Criminology courses are extremely interesting and offer information that I never even thought I'd enjoy. My favorite classes so far have been Law and Society, Psychology and Law, Homicide, and Crime,Gender and Race.

Joseph from Fleming Island, FL

I almost always feel on UF campus during anytime of day. In fact I frequently go on midnight walks and I have never felt unsafe walking around campus late at night.

Greek Life

I don't participate in Greek Life, but it has a prominent role on campus.

Clubs and Activities

Once again this is like academics, you get out what you put in. There are lots of clubs for almost anything and the more work you put into a club or activity the better it will be.

Great for these types of students

Students who want plenty of options and more freedom. Also, it's great for students who prefer a larger college with more opportunities to meet new people.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One tradition I enjoy and participate in frequently is Krishnah Lunch, which is located in the middle of Plaza of the Americas. It is five dollars for Indian food and you can get more food as much as you want.

Bang for the buck

The main reason why I came to UF was for financial reasons and it was the least expensive of the universities I applied to and I am very glad that I chose UF (I have on many occasions said that I was glad that I was denied to the higher ranked colleges that I applied to because I might not have ended up here).

What to do for fun

There are plenty of things to do even though Gainesville is a small town. There are always free events going on somewhere on campus, many of them also have free food. There is also a lot of night life in Gainesville or if you prefer more quiet activities there are always free movies playing at the Reitz Union Theater.

Food and Dining

The dining on campus isn't that great, I only went to the dining hall to hang out with people in my dorm when I was first making new friends. Gainesville has plenty of excellent restaurants though, for example The Top has extraordinary burgers. I wouldn't recommend getting a meal plan, I think students should use the opportunity to learn to cook, which is something I've come to enjoy.

Dorm Life

The dorm life is one of the greatest parts of my experience at UF and is one of the main reasons why I love it here so much. I lived on a social floor where everybody was friendly and hung out together. Over the years those people grew to become some of my closest friends who I trust and care for very much.

Academic Rigor

You get what you put in. You can do the bare minimum, taking easy classes and you will find that the University of Florida is an easy college or you can challenge yourself and take hard classes. The key is finding balance, I've seen people work at either extremes and neither is a good choice.

Tips for prospective students

Always be willing to try new things, meet new people, and get out of your comfort zone, eventually you'll find your place and make a group of friends who you can rely on. As I explicitly said above, University of Florida has an plenty of opportunities, for example in place it's one of the only universities I applied to that allows students to both a student of the college of engineering and premed, take advantage of these opportunities, get involved in research and extracurricular activities, you never know where it will lead you. Have fun, it speaks for itself, everyone needs a break. Don't worry and stay positive, although college can be great, life can always throw struggles at you and you can let them get you down or you can keep improving yourself and be a positive influence in others and your own life.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is an excellent school with numerous opportunities to pursue whatever you want. It's size may appear intimidating to some, but that is actually an exceptional advantage because it means there are immense resources to help improve yourself and achieve your goals. In addition to it's opportunities to pursue what you want in academics, research, and extracurricular, it also can be welcoming and a great place to make new friends.

Latisha from Belle Glade, FL

05/18/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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What to do for fun

Every Friday night Is Gators Night! There are various activities and up to date movies that are shown, all for free of course! They're clubs down town with themes throughout the week, though I can't tell you much about that. We also have over 900 student clubs to join, so I'm sure you'll find at least one that will fit your needs!

Food and Dining

Food selections seem massive at first but it'll soon get boring.

Dorm Life

I never lived in a dorm, but my friends that did didn't complain and they become very involved and made tons of friends.

Academic Rigor

Nothing is easy but it's all worth it

Tips for prospective students

Tuition is constantly rising... Make sure you can afford it. Don't be afraid to apply... The worst they could say is No! It's great to be a Florida Gator! Go Gators!!!

In three sentences

One of the few prestigious public universities in Florida where you can receive a top notch education. Classes are a bit tough, especially if your high school was super easy, but overall.... It's great to be a GATOR!

Brett from Orlando, FL

05/24/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

UF is a relatively safe campus. There have been little reports of any crimes on campus or nearby. Robberies have been reported, but they are seldom. At Florida, there are security stations located throughout. They light up at night and are placed in many locations around dorms, sorority/fraternity houses, dining halls, etc that can alert local police if activated by someone.

Greek Life

Greek life is very prominent on campus. Many students take advantage of the social fraternities and sororities that UF has to offer. With 27 fraternities and 16 sororities, rushees will be certain find a group of people who match his/her interests. Greeks at the University excel in many areas including: academics, athletics, philanthropy, and community service. The benefits of joining a greek letter organization is unparalleled to many other opportunities.

Clubs and Activities

Home to almost 1000 campus organizations, UF offers something for every student that attends. From greek life to skydiving to intramurals, almost anything you can think of will probably exist at the University.

Great for these types of students

Florida is an extremely diverse campus and all types of students are welcomed. With over 50,000 students attending, there are going to be students that have the same interests as another. There is something for everyone for sure.

Bang for the buck

Compared to other large universities, UF has relatively low tuition. The fees that are paid to the college cover all of the recreational facilities, classes, and organization funding that should all be taken advantage of while attending.

What to do for fun

On campus, there are tons of recreational facilities to choose from. Pools, gyms, basketball courts, tennis courts, etc. are all available free for students. In the city, there is a midtown and downtown so going out at night to your favorite bar, club, or restaurant is pretty easy to drive/walk to. Located in Gainesville, the beach is about an hour and a half drive to the east coast. Also, there are many national parks, public lakes, and springs to go camping, tubing, hiking, etc.

Food and Dining

The food on campus at UF isn't the greatest, but a few popular restaurants are offered. Chic-fil-a, starbucks, einsteins, and subway can all be found at the University. In addition, there are dining halls located near the popular dorms for easy access and the food is pretty decent. Off campus, there are plenty of options to choose from as Gainesville is a big enough city to support many local and chain restaurants.

Dorm Life

It is highly recommended to live in a dorm your freshman year. It not only provides you with a plethora of friends, it helps the first year student to more easily adapt to college. It is a lot easier to meet other students when exposed to them often as oppose to off campus living. UF in particular has many dorms that are very social and provide the opportunity to interact with different kinds of people.

Academic Rigor

The classes at the University of Florida are both challenging and mentally stimulating. The college offers some of the highest quality professors and advisors available. Not only are the courses interesting, UF's undergraduate and graduate programs cover many, many different majors and areas of interest.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved as early as humanly possible. Become a part of an organization that you are passionate about. This will help the first year student adapt much easier to the different environment and experience that is college. Student government, greek organizations, and campus clubs all are prominent at the University of Florida.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a well-rounded campus that excels in all areas. To name a few, academics, athletics, and extracurriculars are not only all well known at UF, they far surpass many other schools. Located in sunny Florida, it truly is a great place to attend school.

Stefanie from Oviedo, FL

Great alert system offered to keep students updated on any criminal events and lots of emergency poles around campus to click if you need help.

Clubs and Activities

Just so many options!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is a bat house on campus that you can go to just after sundown to watch the bats fly right in front of your eyes.

Bang for the buck

UF has for a while now been rated among the top for the best education provided for the amount paid. They do an excellent job!

What to do for fun

There's Lake Wauberg which is free for students and has canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing etc. There's always art festivals and cultural events going on. There's plenty of bars and clubs within walking distance of the campus and of most off campus housing. There's also so many unique Gainesville-only restaurants to try out (I recommend Satchel's Pizza, it's a Gainesville tradition).

Food and Dining

I wish there were more diverse food options in the student union but they are definitely making improvements to the cafeterias.

Dorm Life

Not the newest of dorms, although many of them are currently being renovated, but you will meet plenty of fun, new people there!

Academic Rigor

Definitely not very many easy courses available.

Tips for prospective students

This school is definitely an academic challenge but if you work hard and stay focused you should do fine. Be sure to attend all of your classes as it really does help you do better and many professors reward students for their attendance. Also get involved! There's so many clubs and organizations available on campus for students to get involved and meet new people.

In three sentences

This University is extremely welcoming and feels like a home away from home. UF has strong traditions and a diverse student population that is sure to suit anyone. I loved my time here!

Samantha from Pbg, FL

06/20/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

UF is a very safe campus. We have constant security patrolling campus, as well as safety call boxes that contact police when pushed on nearly every corner in campus. We also have our own police station in the middle of campus.

Greek Life

Greek life is not for everyone. If you are thinking about it, I highly encourage you to attend rush to get a feel for the different houses on campus. Extra research may help you out too just by looking at the chapters website, which can be found on google.

Clubs and Activities

You wil be able to find nearly any club you want on campus from Harry Potter to Womens activist clubs. It is very easy to become involved in these clubs just by attending a simple meeting. As well, creating your own club is possible too just by setting up a meeting place on campus.

Great for these types of students

Students who are interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle should check out the Southwest gym. This is the biggest gym on campus and has more workout machines than you can imagine and is decked out in every type of fitness gadget you would ever want. As well, they offer many fitness classes, including: total body, yoga, and cycling.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Turlington Plaza is one of the two free speech areas on campus. Daily, there are people handing out fliers for events coming up and sometimes even free stuff. Many companies, like Gillette, Victoria's Secret Pink, and American Eagle have campus representatives that hang out freebies. Every Wednesday on the other free speech location, Plaza of the America's, Krishna Lunch is served. Krishna Lunch, free with a $4 donation, is delicious ethnic food worth a try at least once.

Bang for the buck

There really aren't too many opportunities to save money on campus. My only suggestion would be to apply for scholarships and buy any textbooks you can used.

What to do for fun

There are many options in Gainesville. If you prefer to stay on campus, the Reitz student center provides many activites, such as movies, bowling, and free food. Gator nights is also a program held every Friday night with fun activities that change weekly. If you prefer to explore nightlife, Midtown is a 5-10 minute walk from campus where there are bars and many restaurants to enjoy.

Food and Dining

The dining halls are decent. Definitely not 5 star dining, but you will get by. I suggest getting a meal plan. Also, many students are part of greek life, thus food is provided at your sorority/fraternity.

Dorm Life

Personally, I had an amazing experience living in a dorm my Freshman year. I would strongly encourage all Freshman to live in dorms. The most social dorms include: Broward, Jennings, and Rawlings Halls. For more privacy, look in Beaty Towers.

Academic Rigor

The classes at UF, most specifically the weed out classes are not a piece of cake. They are meant to challenge you and encourage you to thrive academically.

Tips for prospective students

In high school, it is very important to keep your GPA high and take all honors and as many AP classes as possible. Admission has become more and more competitive in the recent years. Stay involved in clubs and organizations in your school and in your community. Also, study as much as possible for the SAT/ACT and achieve as high as possible scores.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is an academically very promising school. The atmosphere on campus is very positive from both the students and professors. As well, many extracurricular and community involvement opportunities are available.

Izaura from Wesley Chapel, FL

06/23/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Clubs and Activities

There is seriously a club for everything! There's all kinds of student run non-profit organizations, event planning clubs, ethnic clubs, religious clubs, major related organizations and more! And of course, Greek life is very prominent at UF.

What to do for fun

There's always something interesting to do on campus, and for free too! There's everything from concerts to festivals to midnight breakfasts to game nights and more! And, of course, Midtown and Downtown are where you'll find all the hotspots of Gainesville's nightlife.

Food and Dining

Food on campus is expensive so beware of this when you're considering getting a meal plan versus just using your debit card/declining balance. The dining halls are definitely overpriced for their quality but are convenient for those days you want a little more to eat. I say the best thing to do is cook your own food as much as possible. It's healthier and cheaper.

Dorm Life

If you like the idea of rolling out of bed 10 minutes before class starts and still making it on time; if you like the convenience of being able to walk everywhere; if you like meeting new people; if you like having something to do everyday... living on campus is for you. I would check out the Tolbert Area or Jennings Hall for the best living conditions and best social environments.

Academic Rigor

All of your core/tracking courses WILL be difficult in some way. Whether it's the work load, the material, or the tests, those classes are meant to trip you up in someway (they don't call them weed out classes for nothing). So don't take them lightly. But don't worry, there are plenty of classes that can balance out your schedule.

Tips for prospective students

1. Make sure to balance school and social life. This will ensure that you get the most out of the UF experience. But remember: school always comes first. You're paying for an education, not a social life. 2. Stay on top of schoolwork but make sure to take breaks so you don't stress out 3. Get involved-- not only with things pertaining to your major but also with things that you enjoy 4. Live on campus at least during your freshman year-- this will make the transition into college life A LOT easier

Ask your Cicerone (student guide when you take a tour of campus) about the F-Book.

Bang for the buck

In state tuition is amazing!

What to do for fun

Football games! Intramurals! Clubs! Parties!

Food and Dining

Pretty decent selection, you'll eat waaaaaay too much though.

Dorm Life

Depending on the dorm.

Academic Rigor

Depending on the major.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved with student organizations!

In three sentences

Huge university with a football/party atmosphere. Tons of student organizations to get involved with and have that smaller school feel while still getting the advantages of a larger research university.

Current UF Student

09/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

There are alerts sent out to every one of the 50,000 students any time there is suspicious activity or dangerous occurrence in the Gainesville area via email and text message. One to inform you of the issue and then a follow-up message to report the issue has been solved.

Greek Life

You won't regret it becoming a member of Greek Life. Rushing was the best decision I ever made. If your looking for a complete college experience and a new family, then joining a sorority or fraternity will be perfect for you. You make friendships that will last a life time and it's 100% worth the cost.

Clubs and Activities

There are over nine hundred clubs and organizations on campus for every interest you can imagine.

Great for these types of students

You want a good balance between studying and socializing.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Game days are an experience you don't want to miss out on. Go Gators!

What to do for fun

Mid-town is bars and down-town is clubs.

Food and Dining

Meal plans are a waste of money if your a picky eater. Joining a sorority or fraternity will supply you with a meal plan with REAL meals.

Academic Rigor

Difficulty depends on your major and your study habits.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved in clubs and becoming a member in the Greek Community was the best decision I ever made.

In three sentences

It's a college town based campus with a plethora of school spirit. You'll get the best education here and experience at UF than any other Florida university. You won't make a better decision than studying in the Gator Nation.

Greek life is huge on UF's campus. There is always a philanthropic event or party happening in the Greek community and the fraternities/sororities give a lot back to their school. Honestly, if you're not Greek, its more difficult, but not impossible, to go to parties or tailgates.

Bang for the buck

You definitely get what you're paying for at UF, the education that you receive will pay off in the future. But always apply for scholarships!

What to do for fun

There is a ton to do for fun at UF: midtown, downtown, frat row, bars, clubs, concerts, movies, and events thrown by UF. There is definitely something for everyone.

Food and Dining

Try to learn how to cook yourself because the food gets old pretty fast, also its hard to find a place to eat on the weekends unless you're okay with just the dining hall because most on-campus restaurants/fast food close on the weekends.

Dorm Life

Every hall is different, but they are kept clean for the most part and they are a good start for socializing freshman year.

Academic Rigor

Some classes are a joke, but then some are really stressful and time consuming.

Tips for prospective students

SIgn up for tons of scholarships in high school, UF is not helpful financially and you don't want to leave school with a ton of debt!

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a school where the social scene is what a high school student imagines college to be, the coursework is made for you to succeed, and everyone is open to express themselves. Not only does UF have a high esteemed academic program, but also exciting athletics. UF becomes the true college experience, as well as a home away from home.

Alyssa from Trinity, FL

I take classes at the campus gym such as zumba and bellydancing. Also, I hang out with my friend midtown and downtown.

Food and Dining

There are two dining halls on campus. They have a huge selection, even for vegetarians. The food is good. There are also many fast food restaurants to choose from.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is fine. Some dorms have kitchens and bathroom in the dorm, while others have communal bathrooms.

Academic Rigor

The classes are quite challenging. You will have to study about everyday of the week in order to get a good grade.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to see your adviser every semester even if you are not required to because you will stay on track and they will help you. Also, a great tutoring service called Study Edge will be helpful for anyone taking challenging math, chemistry, biology, physics and economics courses.

In three sentences

In my opinion, University of Florida is a great school. The courses are very challenging so a student must put full effort to succeed. It is the best university in Florida.

Shari from Gainesville, FL

Definitely check out Lake Wahlberg, the Hippodrome for shows, or join an intramural sports team!

Food and Dining

The food options in Gainesville are incredible! The locals are big in the organic scene, so the food is fresh and abundant.

Dorm Life

I didn't live in the dorms when I was a freshman, but I visited frequently when my friends did. As long as you don't get Broward Hall, you'll be fine!

Academic Rigor

Academically, UF is pretty rigorous. This is what makes it one of the top research schools in the nation. If you're ready to work, this is the school for you!

Tips for prospective students

Don't worry about not having a huge circle of friends just yet; you'll find them in due time.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is truly the complete college experience. You have a huge football scene, a heavy emphasis on academics, and a diverse selection of social life. It's a great school, and I'm obsessed with my Gators!

Anonymous

There is a police department on campus. Police patrol heavily at night. The school also sends out alerts when events occur to make students aware.

Greek Life

Greek life seems very exciting. There are tons of socials and philanthropies that are facilitated by each greek organization.

Clubs and Activities

There is an area called Midtown where everyone goes, especially during he first week of school and after the first few football games. This area is more for socializing and hanging out. If you're looking to dance until you drop then, you need to go downtown to the strip of clubs that are also highly favored by UF students. There will also be parties by sororities and fraternities to attend.

Great for these types of students

If you're an individual who likes to meet a large amount of diverse people, make a difference on campus, and show your school spirit every chance that you get, then The University of Florida is the school for you. If you're willing to be a small fish in a big pond and use your resources to be successful, then UF is the school for you. If you are willing to bleed orange and blue, then UF is the school for you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Swamp is our football stadium and it's probably the coolest thing you've ever seen, especially because it's underground. UF has an Undie Run twice a year wear students show up, donate their clothes, and run a few times around campus. We also participate in Dance Marathon wear students work all year to raise money for children with cancer and then they spend a weekend dancing nonstop to continue raising the funds and meeting the pledge amounts. This year UF raised $1.2 million for the kids! These are just a few of our amazing traditions.

Bang for the buck

The University of Florida is definitely a bang for your buck institution. It's one of the highest quality public universities we have in Florida. UF has great talent and this recognition shows through the amount of companies that come to recruit at our school.

What to do for fun

Lake Wauburg is a recreational site a few miles form campus that UF bought for its students. There you'll find lots of picnic areas, obstacle courses, and water activities. It's also great for retreats. We also have music concerts, famous speakers, invitational step shows, fashion shows, talent shows, the largest student run homecoming celebration in the nation Gator Growl, and much more. Let's not forget about our amazing sporting events!

Food and Dining

The dining halls have great ice cream and other desserts! The actual entrees vary based on the day. If you are a frequent eater, then the dining halls are great to go in and grab a snack. There are two dining halls, but we have other pod markets and dining opportunities throughout campus. There's Moes, Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks, Burger King, and Einstein's to name a few. Our campus is also right across the street from a strip of restaurants, which is very convenient.

Dorm Life

Dorms are always fun and they provide the opportunity for you to meet many people. The dorms have special events such as Midnight Breakfast, Movies nights in the lounge, shaving cream wars, barbecues, and more. The dorms on the West side of campus are nicer than the East because majority of them are newer.

Academic Rigor

This all depends on your undergraduate program as well, but overall you're not going to get the grades if you don't put in the work. Also, no professor is going to personally reach out to you if you're falling off in class due to the amount of students enrolled. Study hard and you'll do great!

Tips for prospective students

The most important thing to remember in college is to stay organized and prioritize accordingly. Tons of opportunities are going to appear, but you will have to be proactive in seeking them out and pursuing what you want. When looking for internships/jobs don't forget that GPA and communication do matter. Everyone is going to have the same resume as you. If you have exemplary grades and a personality to match, then it'll be much easier for you to get an offer.

In three sentences

The University of Florida provides a well rounded college experience through academic and athletic excellence. This institution provides a plethora of resources and opportunities for students in regards to campus involvement, career planning, and academic success. Lastly, UF students are exposed to a vastly growing network because the Gator Nation is everywhere.

The gym is very nice. Also, there are always events going on from different organizations and clubs. There's never a shortage of things to do. Football games are fun, even if you don't like or understand the sport.

Food and Dining

The food is good, but there isn't too much variety. However, a lot of the restaurants on campus accept the meal plan, and that's great.

Dorm Life

I live in Hume, and it's a lot of fun. We're always hanging out in the common area, either to watch a movie or study together. It's a great atmosphere. The rooms themselves are nice too.

Academic Rigor

For me, UF courses are moderately challenging and I love it. There's a lot of homework and reading, but it's not too hard to manage it.

I never lived in the dorm but had friends in dorms. I think they are small, but there are a few newer dorms that are more spcious.

Academic Rigor

It depends on what you major in, but planning and being open to help will get your through most obstacles. Be aware of weed out courses.

Tips for prospective students

If you are an undergarduate student, learn to manage your time. You will find you have a lot more free time then in high school. You must discipline yourself to study during those hours.

In three sentences

It's is an impeccable institution with a rich history and tradition that influences UF students to have a Gator Pride that they carry with them for a lifetime. Because the campus is so big, specialized needs are minimally met, but the shared culture of being a Gator, surges diversity and influences ethic, social, and educational excelence. In a nutshell, it's Great to be a Florida Gator!.

Krista from Gainesville, FL

10/28/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

The University Police Department (UPD) is always vigilant about what goes on around campus. Be it a football game day, concert event or an ordinary evening, there is always at least one or two cars patrolling the campus and making sure that people are safe walking around at night. Text message and email alerts are sent out the moment a campus crime occurs to promptly notify students and make them aware. There are also plenty of student initiated programs to assist with transportation around campus late at night, such as the Student Nighttime Auxilary Patrol (SNAP) which will pick you up from a location and drop you off at another to avoid walking alone at night. They have even developed an app, providing a service similar to Uber or Lyft, that you can call from. Volunteer student officers will also come to your location and walk with you to wherever you need to go. Bright blue emergency call boxes are also abundantly placed around campus in the event of any emergency.

Greek Life

So many sororities and fraternities, at times it can be annoying. However, they are so diverse that if that's your thing, you have options. Rush weeks are always a fun time to see sorority girls and frat guys walking around on campus in their respective Greek clothes.

Clubs and Activities

There is literally a club for everyone here, and I mean EVERYONE. Do you like camping? Dancing? Gaming? Acting? Design? Hiking? Intramural Sports? That's not even a short list. What about underwater hockey? Yes....it exists. I'm not kidding....everyone and everything. If you can't find a club or activity for you, you can create your own.

Great for these types of students

Our nursing, various research and engineering programs are top notch! I have plenty of friends who have graduated and gone on to be highly successful, and the network of Gators out in the work world is extremely abundant which can help land you a job right after graduation.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The French Fries is a favorite sculpture near the Marston Science Library done by artist John Henry that was placed on campus in February 1989. Though the actual name of the piece is Alachua, named for the county which the city of Gainesville calls home, it still remains a notorious landmark often referred to when giving directions to campus visitors and Freshman. Another popular sculpture around campus, The Potato, is located near Turlington Hall and serves as a popular meeting point. Krishna Lunch, a full vegetarian meal, is served daily in the Plaza of the Americas for dirt cheap, and it is delicious!

Bang for the buck

If you are a high school student living in Florida and qualify to receive Bright Futures Scholarships, the cost of attendance is extremely affordable. I was able to complete my Bachelor's degree with little to no debt using these scholarships combined with other grants for which I qualified. Florida resident tuition is a pretty sweet deal.

What to do for fun

North Central Florida is known for its vast amounts of land, making it a great place to spend quality time outdoors. There are tons of various activities students can partake in when they are not studying, such as camping in Paynes Prairie, biking along Hawthorne trail or tubing down the various rivers and springs, located in High Springs, 20 minutes North of Gainesville. For those who are not so inclined to spend their time outdoors, the various local restaurants and bars do not disappoint!

Food and Dining

So many of the restaurants around Gainesville are one of a kind. Whether you are in Midtown, Downtown or near Butler Plaza,there are a plethora of cuisines. Local food is where it's at, and with so many options you may find yourself eating out more than you intend. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, especially downtown. The Top, Boca Fiesta and Civilization are some of the more popular local spots that come highly recommended.

Dorm Life

I am fortunate enough to say that I have never had to experience the dorm life. Though from what I have heard, depending on which dorm you are placed in, it can be a great experience or a not so great one. Most of the stories I have heard typically revolve around roommates however, so the best advice I can give if I had to give any would be to get a good one!

Academic Rigor

If you walk into any of the libraries or computer labs on campus, you will see students studying all day, all night. However, Gators are notorious for studying hard and partying hard. We balance work and play, and we do it well.

Tips for prospective students

If you have an idea of the field you would like to study, come to the university, visit the college your major is in and talk to someone. More than likely, you will always find someone willing to show you around and steer you in the right direction. It is also a great way to become more familiar with campus and really understand what you might be learning should you decide to continue with that major.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is the top public educational institution in the state of Florida, which means a lot for those looking for top notch school for academia. Sports are a big part of the Gator Nation, and football game days are something unique to the UF tradition. Best of all, the weather is great the majority of the time and pools are available all year round.

Katy from Florida

There are so many ways to get involved and hundreds of clubs give you so many options to get busy on campus.

What to do for fun

Honestly, there isn't too much to do on campus. There are parties every weekend as long as you know someone at a frat, but they're also easy to avoid if that's not your scene. Gator Nights at the student union every Friday are nice; they give out free food and show a movie that's not on DVD yet and have some other miscellaneous events. There are plenty of fields for sports if you want to play football or ultimate frisbee, and when it's hot there are some pools. There are some nice nature areas if you like that sort of thing, but there isn't a whole lot else unless you either have a car, or want to spend your nights clubbing downtown or midtown.

Food and Dining

I personally don't have a meal plan, and that was a great decision on my part: I saved a lot of money and never had to eat the dining hall food, which I don't think is very good. Friends of mine got the meal plan though and ate at the dining halls four times a day, so it all depends on whether or not you're a bottomless pit. The other dining options on campus are where I spend my money, and I like a lot of the places.

Dorm Life

I've met so many wonderful people in my dorm, and though the floor lounges may be sparsely furnished, I still spend most of my time there, hanging out with friends. If you contact maintenance because of bugs, a leaky faucet, ect, they'll usually get to your request within 24 hours. In my dorm, there's never a shortage of hot water (and I take incredibly long showers) and though the rooms are small, you can cram in everything you need.

Academic Rigor

Though I'm sure there are harder schools out there, UF has a very rigorous curriculum (at least in STEM fields, which is what I'm familiar with) and you better hope you have a good foundation of English, science, and math in high school. I was one of the people that never studied in high school, and now I put in about thirty hours before every test and sometimes still don't do well. It's hard, but you learn a lot.

Tips for prospective students

Though your GPA, test scores, and the classes you take are important to the admissions committee, you also need to make sure you're in a few extracurriculars (they love leadership positions!) and write a good essay. If you can, apply to the honors program because a lot of doors are opened for you (like smaller class sizes, early registration, and exclusive classes just for honors students).

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a place full of smart, hard-working kids! Since there are so many students, there's a group where you'll fit in somewhere, and most of the students are friendly. There are also lots of fun events on campus that'll give you something to do when you're not studying.

Whitney from Gainesville, FL

05/03/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Anyone who has extreme school spirit, is ambitious, and wants to make a difference in their community. Engineering students and students looking forward to a math or science related field of study should definitely apply here.

Tips for prospective students

The Gator Nation is waiting for YOU! You should take every opportunity you get to become involved in UF traditions, like football games, undie-runs, random giveaways at Turlington, intramural sports, residence life, and the Gator Walk.

Bang for the buck

Although UF doesn't offer that many scholarships to students who aren't minorities or don't have National-Merit level honors, most students who are accepted to UF have bright futures anyway. Also, UF is much cheaper than other state colleges for a Florida resident.

Am enjoying being here

The University of Florida offers an enormous variety of nighttime and extracurricular activities. You can explore the campus sporting facilities, libraries, and dining halls, or have lunch with your friends at the Plaza of the Americas. At the end of the day, you can head downton to go to a club, too!

Am learning a lot

This academically-challenging environment is a great place to become enriched by other students as well as faculty, and you will learn from some of the best professors in the state of Florida.

Allyson

Honestly, UF is great for all types of students. UF is such a large and diverse campus that no matter who you are or what you like to do, there is something here for you.

Tips for prospective students

My only tip for prospective students would be to get involved. It is easy to get lost on such a big campus so it is ideal to become involved - whether it be through in campus organizations or in greek life. Getting involved helps you meet new people and makes such a large campus seem just a little bit smaller.

Bang for the buck

At the University of Florida, you are getting an Ivy League type of education at a public school price. Comparatively to other state schools, the cost per credit hour is approximately the same while the quality of education received is noticeably higher.

Am enjoying being here

I absolutely love being at the University of Florida. UF's location in Gainesville is ideal for students who are looking for the well-rounded college experience. Gainesville is the epitome of a college town, everywhere you go you are surrounded my college kids and gator fans. I mean there is nothing like Gainesville on a game day. But, you don't have to be a football fan to enjoy the atmosphere. Just walking through campus and seeing an endless sea of gator spirit can put a smile on anyone's face.

Academic Rigor

There is a reason why some call the University of Florida the Ivy League of the South. The professors and staff here are experts in their respective fields. There is also a wide range of academic opportunities so students can learn a lot across the board and get a well-rounded academic experience. Since UF is a research institution, it is also important to note that all of a student's learning isn't done in a typical classroom. Most professors are involved in some sort of research and are more than happy to have their students help out in the labs.

Itzia from Davenport, FL

Rounded students, people who love to read (because you'll need it here) and students who can handle pressure.

Tips for prospective students

Get ready to be thrown into a whole new lifestyle. Here, you'll feel like an adult, but will still need the support of your parents both emotionally and financially. Keep socializing to a minimum and academics to an almost maximum. As stress levels get higher (this is where your parents come in) look for someone to vent and with have LOTS of fun. With that, you should be fine.

Bang for the buck

Even though it is said to be cheap in terms of universities, I see it expensive. For a regular 12 credit semester, I paid 2,000 something dollars. Also, I had to pay housing, books, parking and... daily stuff, such as groceries, washing and drying, etc. The bus and the gym are included in the tuition fees, so feels like a relief.

Am enjoying being here

I am enjoying myself here, because there is ALWAYS something to do here. Always.

Am learning a lot

When UF gloats about having great academics, believe them. I thought they were just like any regular school, but they are not. They will give you all the tools you need, but you have to get out of your butt and do it. Also, teachers know what they are talking about when they give you a lecture. That's what I have been (and kind of STILL am) learning. It may sound overwhelming, but It's worth it.

Abigail from Longwood, FL

10/13/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

UF is a place for the school spirited, for the studious, and for the dedicated worker. Classes will only get harder but the reward is too great too deny: strong alumni connection and a degree from one of the best public state schools in the nation.

Tips for prospective students

Don’t overextend yourself. Allow adequate adjustment time to the new pattern, study habits, and schedule. Don’t be afraid to contact your professors for any help, especially during given office hours; you are paying for these classes. It’s also helpful to meet with a scheduling advisor so they can give you advice on how to map out your future semesters. It’s not necessary to buy all your books beforehand. Oftentimes professors change the supplies until the first day of class, and some departments require the same materials but the individual teachers do not. Be sure to live on campus your first year to have access to all of the activities and social interactions. Jennings is the best choice (not just because I live here) depending on your schedule. It’s located close to the majority of freshman classes and being recently renovated, boasts new bathrooms, dorms, and a stunning lounge. Do try to get in to the Honors College. Not only do you get to sign up for classes ahead of the masses (makes a HUGE difference), but you’re offered smaller honors classes and invited to special activities. College is the time to try something new, to get involved while everything’s free. And most importantly, don’t forget that you are here to learn. While it’s fun to be super involved, school is still your number one priority.

Bang for the buck

While UF makes large royalties off Gatorade and its contract with Pepsi, I feel that such money could be better reflected in more scholarships for incoming students. Personally it seems UF is one of the more tight-fisted Florida schools when it comes to tuition scholarships. With that said, however, there is no end to the free “stuff”. Friday Gator nights provide free food, a free movie screening, and activities. If you are one of the first 200 at the alumni center on a game day, you receive a free shirt. At every corner there’s a free concert, free shirts, and free food, if you know where to look. It’s also free to participate in intramural sports and clubs. If you want to learn salsa or tango, or try something new, now is the time. The gyms are free for enrolled students; the Southwest Rec Center was recently renovated. Both gyms offer weight rooms, cardio machines, group fitness classes, boot camp, and indoor/outdoor facilities. No need to rent equipment either; just flash your student ID.

Am enjoying being here

The first few weeks will be overwhelming. Some people may be rushing for Greek life, classes are starting, books and supplies need to be bought. However, it is very important to get involved! Join an intramural sport, run for a government position, apply for a job, and participate in different clubs. This will shrink the 50,000 student campus and provide you with a solid friend basis. At first I felt disappointed that the only people I knew were old friends from high school but now I’m busy every weekend with friends from soccer or class. Last weekend I attended Nightglow (dancing in black lights and throwing paint on each other at a dance club). The amount of activities going on every day is astounding; during the week there are fraternity parties, club meetings, or volunteer opportunities. During the weekend you can go downtown to clubs like Vault or 8 Seconds (country themed, even has a mechanical bull).

Am learning a lot

As silly as it sounds, I really didn't expect to study much in college. My high school experience taught me that if I paid attention and did homework, not only would I understand the material, but I would also get an A. Here, however, you are one smart person in a crowd of smart people. The environment is completely different. Professors expect you to read and understand the material on your own. Instead of using textbooks as a supplement, at UF the class is a supplement to text and self-study. I learned the hard way that you have to prepare BEFORE class. I have to study every day through reading and working out problems. Do this and lecture will become much more understandable. As one professor said, the volume of information you are asked to absorb at UF is astounding. It may seem overwhelming but ultimately through class and studying, in one month you will learn more than in a year of high school. I kid you not.

UF student

11/16/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Any type of student really, it just depends on your personal preference. It's a large campus with large classes. Main science courses usually have classes of around 300, but the more specialized your class are the smaller they become. The largest class I've taken had over 600 students, and the smallest was about 30. Visit the campus, look at the degree programs and decide for yourself!

Tips for prospective students

Try not too think too far in the future because there is a good chance you will get overwhelmed. Take one day at a time, and sometimes even just five minutes at a time. Try to keep an open mind, at least until you've discovered enough to create a solid foundation for your own beliefs. Don't get stuck in mediocrity. Your only limits are those you place on yourself. If you really want to do something don't let anyone tell you you can't. And if you really don't like it here, transfer somewhere else. No university will be right for everyone, but everyone has their perfect university. And enjoy yourself. These are the last years before you're a real adult, so have fun!

Bang for the buck

UF has one of the lowest in-state tuitions so while tuition is still a monster no matter where you go, this price is definitely easier to swallow than some. There are many, many resources available for students for free (because of tuition) like beautiful gyms, Olympic-sized pools, tutoring, admissions to some sports events, GatorNights every Friday, etc.

Am enjoying being here

UF is a beautiful campus, and is rich with history and culture. Granted, if you stay in your room all day or only with the friends you had before college you won't find much of it, but if you step out of your comfort zone and find some new topics of interest, you'll find yourself becoming just as loyal a gator fan there is.

Academic Rigor

The University of Florida is an excellent school. It has an extremely wide variety of majors available and is nationally ranked in many fields of study. Like many of the competitive large universities, UF follows the weed-out program in many of its large science courses like general chemistry, biology, etc. This is difficult for students because the classes are designed to have a low pass rate, but those who succeed will come out the better for it.

Alvin from Gainesville, FL

Anybody and Everybody looking to attend a big college in a small college town.

Tips for prospective students

Do be afraid to go beyond your comfort zone. Talk to people you normally wouldn't; take classes that interest you outside of your major; take part in the spirit of the Gator Nation. This is one of the greatest times in your life to really seek out what you desire for your future. UF has something for everybody, and you should take advantage of that to the max because 4 years is shorter than you can imagine. And of course, study hard.

Bang for the buck

No other state in the US provides top ranked education for less than Florida does. The tuition is unbelievably affordable and being from one of the top universities in the nation, it cannot get any better.

Am enjoying being here

The actual city of Gainesville is an amazing place to live. There are so many cultural aspects that you can immerse yourself in. It is the quintessential college town for an unbelievable college experience. The school is monstrous and there is something for everybody to get involved in, you just have to put yourself out there and look around.

Am learning a lot

University of Florida has the resources and faculty to give any student an endless wealth of information. It is an elite school and the curriculum exemplifies this. Study hard and the rewards are endless.

Don't worry about picking a major on the application. That's not even a factor that is taken into account when the Admissions Committee goes over your application. Visit the school a few times if you can, just to be sure that you like the campus and the feel of the school.

Bang for the buck

UF is a great value. If you're an in-state student, you really won't find a better education for $3,000 a semester. Of course, extra expenses pile up: a dorm or an apartment, a meal plan, textbooks....but if you're careful, you can go to school for under $5,000 per semester. For out-of-state students, though it's much more expensive, it's still one of the lowest tuition rates throughout the country.

Am enjoying being here

UF has a huge Greek scene. Fraternities and sororities are exclusive and pretty much run Student Government. If you're after a Greek college experience, UF is the place to be. There are at least 40 different social fraternities and sororities, plus countless community service, educational, honor, religious, theater, ethnic, and engineering fraternities. If Greek life is not your thing, then no worries: only 5% of UF's student body is Greek. There are so many people here it's hard not to make friends. There are abundant parties, a few really great nightclubs, restaurants for all budgets, lots of concert venues, places to see plays, ballets, and other dance forms, arts and crafts fair, a farmer's market, movie theaters, and lots and lots of bars.

Am learning a lot

Many would discredit the University of Florida's size, saying an institution of more than 50,000 students would crowd out the individual and make competition for opportunities unbearable. Not so! UF's size makes it so there are numerous opportunities for students from every major. The professors are top-notch; they know their field and want you to learn as much as you can. Classes are interesting and not too long. Try to take one class that really sounds interesting per semester, rather than taking all major-related courses every semester.

Jimmy from Gainesville, FL

12/27/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Students who like to go out a lot but definitely care about their academics will love it here. During fall, football is everything you're going to be hearing in town. Whenever you go out for a walk, you're going to think you're color blinded because all you'll see is orange and blue.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid to become involved. If there's an organization you like, join it. Don't think it twice, and don't hesitate. As the CEO of Nike might tell you, Just Do It. Once you start meeting people, that's when the college experience starts.

Bang for the buck

I couldn't be happier in UF. I'm all about the orange and blue now. And it's only been one semester. I don't have any complains at all but again, as I said before I bleed orange and blue so I might be kinda biased about it. But take it from me, come to UF and you won't regret it. Go Gators!

Am enjoying being here

The environment is great. You wouldn't believe the school spirit during football season. There's plenty to do outside campus too. As you all know, the University of Florida is a partying school. But no worries if parties isn't your thing. There's a lake where you can go water skiing and rock climbing. And a river where you can go swim or canoing. Since it's a college town, meeting people is going to happen on its own.

Am learning a lot

The teachers I've had have been pretty great so far. You really do learn. Nothing like high school at all. Mostly maybe because you feel you're really paying for college so you might as well take the most of out it.

Sean from Clearwater, FL

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Great for these types of students

Engineering and Medical students, Applied Sciences and Mathematics students, Health and Health Sciences majors, and just hardworking students in general.

Tips for prospective students

Get into the campus life activities as much as possible, but don't lose yourself in them. I know alot of people from my area and other surrounding areas who have gone to UF and have burned out on school. It's important to find that balance between class, work, and entertainment.

Bang for the buck

UF has a decent cost of attendance considering the Co - op programs and paid internships that help you to cut down costs, on-campus student employment, and the post - undergraduate job(s) that you may obtain, which are sure to be high paying if you are a dedicated student. At $20,000 total ECA, UF isn't the cheapest school around, but there is no doubt that you will gain a great education there and will be sure to pay off these fees.

Will enjoy being here

Gainseville is an excellent area as a college town and a city in general. There are lots of extra currics and campus life activities to get involved in as well.

Will learn a lot

UF is an excellent school on both the state and national scale. UF has an especially good Engineering program, being the 32nd best Engineering Undergrad program in the country, and an excellent medical and applied sciences program.

Rachelle from Weston, FL

driven hardworking/diligent Anyone who loves people and diversity well rounded students

Tips for prospective students

Apply for housing early. Apply for FAFSA early. Get to know your teachers. Take advantage of professor's office hours, free tutoring help center and check out Tutoring zone. Have fun but don't forget you go to an academically driven college work first and have fun later. Finally, get involved, UF has about 900 organizations your bound to find one for you; but if you can't don't worry you can always make one!

Bang for the buck

Definitely you get your money's worth! As I was saying before there are virtually free food events everyday just for students. If your low on cash and need something to eat you can definitely find a social event going on somewhere on campus. The school also provides free tutoring, free career advising, and tons of job/internship fairs for students to get involved and ready for the real world.The tuition itself isn't bad at all. especially if you have bright futures or prepaid.

Am enjoying being here

I love it here!! the school provides a boat load of free events. From shaving cream fights to ice cream socials to winter formals and game nights, you definitely get your money's worth. On Friday nights at the Reitz Union, there is something called gator nights which is free to UF STUDENTS! There's free movies and current movies too. At gator nights there's always different events going on like ice skating in the spring or getting your picture taken by a caricature artist. One thing you can always count on is food. Especially the gator night tradition of midnight breakfast!

Am learning a lot

The University of Florida is known not only in the south but across the nation for its prestigious academics and its outstanding athletics. As a recent freshman student, I had the opportunity of joining the Gator nation and learning what its all about. The professors are brilliant, helpful ,but not easy. However, the school provides free tutoring, professors have office hours and Ta's are always willing to help. Tutoring zone is an off campus facility that holds exam reviews for almost all kinds of classes. With over 50,000, it's a melting pot and you learn a lot about people from all around the world first hand. It's cool that on campus people freely practice and encourage cultural diversity.

Anastasia from Gainesville

05/26/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

The University of Florida is a perfect place for everyone. There's things here for all types of people: if you take academics seriously, enjoy amazing athletic events, are interested in the outdoors, like student government.... the list never ends!

Tips for prospective students

I knew the moment I took the tour that the University of Florida was the place for me. So definitely be sure to take school tours of all the places you could see yourself. Once you're here you'll definitely be able to determine if its the place for you! Once you are here, get involved. Whether its a club on campus, an intramural sport, a study group, or where you work start networking. You will be surprised by all the fascinating people you can meet at UF. And while the lures of a new social life might be tempting it is still important to focus on academics. Often times the reason why we are so proud to be GATORS is because we have the perks of both those things: outstanding academics and awesome school spirit.

Bang for the buck

While our tuition is increasing, it is still the best value! With bright futures, I pay next to nothing for tuition. The research opportunities, the amenities on campus and everything that is included with being a student here definitely makes it worth what I pay. Most campus events are free too! And living in Gainesville is way more affordable than in Tallahassee, Miami or Orlando.

Am enjoying being here

I LOVE the University of Florida, and the city of Gainesville. Starting college is a big transition but having so much to do all around you keeps you busy and the welcoming feel of the Gator Nation makes you will fit right in. While the campus is HUGE and there are so many students, I never felt lost or lonely. It's certainly easy to find your own niche here since there are so many opportunities to get involved on campus, from sports to clubs.

Am learning a lot

The University of Florida has a tradition in its education. The quality of learning, the excellence of the professors and the resources available surpass all of the other state schools. I have never been more satisfied with what I am doing in the classroom and learning. While it can be a lot of work, and there are some late, late nights, it is certainly paying off.

Sarah from Ellenton, FL

06/09/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Bang for the buck

UF is ranked in the top 5 best colleges for your money in the nation. It is hands down the best university in the state and is recognized nationally. UF is also a leading research institute. All this being said, yes, it is definitely worth the money.

Am enjoying being here

Gainesville is an awesome college town. There is always something to do for everyone. There are great outdoorsy activities as well as exciting night-life. There is nothing else in the world like gameday in Gainesville and being in The Swamp for a football game with thousands of other screaming Gators is the best. I absolutely love the UF atmosphere.

Am learning a lot

Classes are difficult, but there is so much that UF has to offer. I love my professors so far and can honestly say I am really learning a lot.

Brian from Gainesville, FL

06/15/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

UF is the best place for proactive people. Because it is a large university, you must be active in your academic career, constantly seeking out others, looking for new opportunities to participate and lead.

Tips for prospective students

Focus on being well-rounded, but not at the expense of your academic performance. While UF has always treasured students who are actively involved in their community, in sports, and in leadership, the academic demands are also high. My best advice to prospective students is to slowly introduce extra curricular activities in order to feel out what you can handle without dropping your grades.

Bang for the buck

UF is one of the best deals you'll find in the United States. Tuition is still under $170 per credit hour, making UF one of the best values in higher education, considering the offering of top-notch facilities and accomplished, first-rate teaching faculty.

Am enjoying being here

I am fully enjoying my time at UF. The Gainesville community is kind and accepting of the college students, there are many great restaurants and attractions, such as the lake owned by UF, Lake Wauburg (sailing, rock climbing, etc.). Student facilities like the gym are world-class, there are tons of performing arts shows to attend, the student body is active and involved. The local music scene is developed and is a lot of fun to attend local shows.

Am learning a lot

As with any University, University of Florida holds as much opportunity as you are willing to take advantage of. Beyond great facilities and accomplished faculty, there are many ways to learn outside of the traditional classroom, such as a vast study abroad program, research opportunities, and internship opportunities. Because UF is primarily a research university, there are many ways to work with faculty or teachers that you have enjoyed on their personal research, and you can sometimes get paid to do so. If you are outgoing and a proactive person, you can find more opportunities to learn at UF than anywhere else.

I am not a student yet and already I'm learning a lot. The orientation fills you with lots of knowledge on the school and the past. I was even given a book to begin reading before I entered my classes. My professor even emailed me about what I should be bringing before class. I love that! :)

Se'Kayla from Miami Gardens, FL

06/20/2011

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Great for these types of students

If you are ready for a challenge and want to pursue a fulfilling education, this is the university for you. The University of Florida provides knowledge as well as good times to those willing to put in the work. Good luck :)

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you have all of your stuff together, especially your application and DO NOT procrastinate. Also, if you have a question, do not be afraid to contact staff members, that is what their here for! They are also quite pleasant. If you follow these tips, your process will be smooth and exciting!

Bang for the buck

Although UF is not cheap, it is not all that expensive either. Also, the college is EXTRA generous when giving out scholarships and grants to those students who deserve it.

Will enjoy being here

UF may not be in a huge city such as Orlando or Miami but it is an awesome college town, there are tons of this to do, even on the campus alone! Getting active comes all too easy to those who attend this lively university!

Will learn a lot

This school has an abundance of different programs for all types of subjects. Majors exist at this school that are not commonly heard of and the classes and professors are truly effective and beneficial from my understanding.

Joshua from Gainesville, FL

Be sure to take studying a little more seriously. There are many hours in the day, a couple spent studying keeps you on track. Explore the campus. There are many things to partake in.

Bang for the buck

The amount of happiness living in Gainesville has brought me made it worth every penny. I feel like I'm right on track to a great career and having fun doing it. Any problems you might have (ie. studying, work, scholarships,etc.), there is a department to aid you.

Am enjoying being here

Ever since I stepped foot in the UF part of Gainesville I've had a great time. It feels like a close-knit community. There are plenty, I mean plenty, of places to go out for a drink. The environment around the campus is just beautiful.

Am learning a lot

It has only been my first year, but it feels like I'm taking higher level classes. Its intensive learning for any of the math and science based classes I've taken. There's plenty of learning per dollar.

Lorelei from Valrico, FL

06/25/2011

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Will enjoy being here

I am so excited to attend University of Florida! I know that the lessons I learn there will stay with me for the rest of my life. The teachers seem great, the campus is beautiful and I am ready to start my life as a Gator!

Kaitlin from Boca Raton, FL

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Great for these types of students

You get a great education and the professors give each and every student to be a personal face rather than just a name on a rooster.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you are okay with being enrolled in a big campus. UF is one of the largest universitys in the country and may be overwhelming if you dont expect it.

Bang for the buck

Most likely if you are a Florida resident and been accepted into Florida you get Bright Futures. This is helpful and the university offers many different jobs so students can save money for the dorm and food costs.

B from West Palm Beach, FL

For those that like to be involved in various activities and like to try new things. Also for those who are well situated with big classes/learning environments.

Tips for prospective students

Try joining different clubs/societies offered here (there are plenty!) Choose what's best for you and go with it! Living on campus is best for freshman students, so they can get to know the huge campus.

Bang for the buck

The least expensive public university in Florida, but tuition is increasing every year.

Am enjoying being here

School spirit is major here! Go Gators!!

Am learning a lot

I love the classes, and I've become well-situated with the learning environment. Excellent professors and advisers as well!

Jessica from Fort Walton Beach, FL

07/21/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Great for all types of students! Just be sure not get become a procrastinator; sometimes you'll forget about the classes with everything that goes on at UF. Be sure to keep track of what you have to do and you'll be good.

Tips for prospective students

Only get a parking decal if you really, really, REALLY need your car. The decals only give you the right to look for a spot, not get one. Meal plans are okay but unless you really eat that much food a day, it doesn't do you much good. Get involved in something you love as soon as possible! Finding a group of people you can rely on from the beginning will make your stay more fun and easier. Try as many things at UF as possible. Most things with enrollment at the school you can do for free or with a discount so don't regret anything and go out and have fun between your studies. Becoming a shut in at this college would be a waste. Go to tutoring when you need it! It really does help when you start getting into the classes where you're expected to know things that you might not have learned at your high school... When signing up for classes, find all of your options. During Drop and Add week, you'll have a chance to explore classes and possibly find a seat in a class that you really wanted/needed that was full. Learn the bus schedule near where you live and keep one on you for just in case. It will save you time and help you get to class on time. Wear a watch. You have no idea how stressful it gets when your phone is dead and you need to know what time it is for a test.

Bang for the buck

For in state, UF is really good. I haven't run into any financial problems and UF even applied to a scholarship for me and I won $3000 for the next school year. Gainesville is also the perfect college town. Plenty of on and off campus house at decent prices. Parking is a bit of a problem but that's to be expected. Luckily the bus system is awesome and students ride free with their UF IDs. UF is also bike friendly so when living near campus or even way, you can take your bike on the bus thanks to the bike racks (learned the hard way to get their earlier to get a spot on those) and then ride around campus with ease. Therefore, you can save some gas while being at the college.

Am enjoying being here

Finally found my niche here at UF so my stay here is much better. It was a little overwhelming at first being away from home and all of my high school friends. But after putting myself out there, UF became a new amazing adventure.

Am learning a lot

Classes are impressive. So far all of my teachers have cared about how well I would do in the class. And every class had some sort of tutor area that you could go to for help no matter the class size. Some classes will work you to the bone but it's worth it in the end to see that good grade and a decent GPA.`

Sarah from Jacksonville, FL

07/22/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Sports fans, artsy people, musicians, academics, and adventurers.

Tips for prospective students

Apply, if you get in, congratulations! If not, there are plenty of transfer students that come in every year from different colleges and universities. When picking your major and classes for the first time at Preview, don't stress out, you will have an opportunity to change your schedule around at the end of the summer. Pick what you think you might have fun taking.

Bang for the buck

As an in-state student and a bright futures recipient, this university is definitely affordable.

Am enjoying being here

The University of Florida is more than just a school, it is a community. There is plenty to do from a day out at lake Wauburg to hanging out at the pool to an art show. Football season is especially enjoyable. There is a niche for everyone if you are just willing to look.

Am learning a lot

There are a lot of lecture style classes in the first few years, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. All the professors make themselves available to their students for questions, help, or concerns. Each professor has office hours as well as an email to be reached by. I have also found that I have ran into a few of my professors in campus and they are always willing to help you learn more.

Olivia from New Port Richey, FL

07/25/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

If you love the outdoors UF is definitely the place for you! I would recommend walking through the University Gardens, going to Lake Wauburg, and going on a TRiP! TRiP is sponsored by the Reitz Union and pretty much there are students who organize trips in the southeast (mainly FL, SC, NC, TN areas) where you can enjoy nature by backpacking, surfing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and more! Go on the website for more information on the UF website! =)

Tips for prospective students

Apply early!! And don't be discouraged if you have an average ACT or SAT score. Mine wasn't the best (ACT 24), but I worked hard on my essay and I had a strong GPA and I had a lot of extracurricular activities and volunteer hours which made me stand out.

Bang for the buck

Definitely worth every penny! Every Friday night the Reitz Union sets up Gator Nights where there are plenty of activities like obstacle courses and arts and crafts. There's a different theme every Friday with different activities. Also, you get a membership to UF's gyms, all 3 are great but the best is the newly renovated Southwest Gym! Make sure to check it out.

Am enjoying being here

There is almost too much to do at UF! There is something for everyone. Make sure to check out Lake Wauburg! You can kayak, canoe, paddle boat, wakeboard, and sail! Also, I would recommend joining a club and/or an intramural sport. It's a great way to meet new people with the same interests and make new friends.

Am learning a lot

Wonderful learning experience! Granted, classes are challenging, but it is worth the learning experience! But make sure to not overload yourself with too many credit hours for your first semester, enjoy it! =)

Margaret from Boca Raton, FL

07/25/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Students who have a focus - no matter what major. Students who appreciate a challenge, who like to analyze information and situations, and those who want to be part of the best and brightest in FL - the Gator Nation.

Tips for prospective students

The selection process is getting tighter each year and the number of new students is getting smaller. Be prepared to be up against the best of the best applying to the school. Plan your essay, spend time on the application. Just grades alone won't cut it - make sure you have time management skills. If you don't have them going into UF, you will have them after Freshman year.

Bang for the buck

I have friends at private colleges all over the country. For Aerospace Engineering, nothing beats UF for price, jobs during college, job availity after college and it is the most elite of the State of Florida Universities. It's a terrific experience.

Am enjoying being here

There are tons of dorms here, and all kinds of variety. I personally, like the apartment like dorm suites, with the private bedrooms. There is constantly something to do either in town or on campus. Transportation within campus is readily available. Parking is limited.

Am learning a lot

I am in Engineering, and find it stimulating, challenging and diversified - there are many areas of interest within Engineering. I am involved in a research project and am loving it. The staff is very strong on helping students beit understanding the subject or getting course loads changed.

Fabi from Miami, FL

07/28/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

The University of Florida is a great fit for students who are motivated, goal-oriented, and who want to further their education in one of the best institutions in the state. The University of Florida is a very diverse campus and offers so many opportunities for those students who want to make the best of their education, whether it be in engineering, business, medicine, or tourism. If this description sounds like you, then the University of Florida is the right choice for you! Go Gators!

Tips for prospective students

Get involved, live on campus, and take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that UF has to offer. One of the best things that a student can do in college is to get involved in clubs and extracurricular activities. Here at the University of Florida, there are over 900 clubs that meet each and everyone's likings. Another tip is to live on campus! The best way to get to know the campus and experience campus life at its best is to live in a dorm for at least a semester. In addition to getting involved and living on campus, the last tip that I have for you is to take advantage of all the opportunities that UF has to offer, whether it is to attend the professor's office hours or to attend the Career Showcase held every semester. The University of Florida opens doors every day to better the future of the students and alumni who attend so take advantage and enjoy your college experience to the fullest!

Bang for the buck

I can definitely agree with this statement. The University of Florida is one of the best universities in the state of Florida, let alone, in the nation as well. The price for which students pay at the University of Florida is well worth the education that students are receiving in return.

Am enjoying being here

Most students and alumni can all agree that the four years that they spent here at the University of Florida are certainly some of the best years of their life. I have truly enjoyed my experiences here at UF and I would not give it up for the world. I have met my best friends here and have found a degree that fulfills my wants and needs for the future. One of the best things about the University of Florida is their campus and the fact that there is always something to do on campus, whether it be to attend Gator Nights or play on an intramural sports team or just meet up with friends and hang out at the Plaza of the Americas. The University of Florida is an exceptional school and I think anyone who attends this university will always enjoy the four years that they spend here.

Am learning a lot

One of best things about studying at the University of Florida are the professors and the teaching assistants. The professors here are extremely helpful and will go out of their way to make sure that students understand the material. If for some reason you attend a class and you do not understand the material that the professor taught that day, you can just show up to their office hours and they will help you with whatever it is that you did not understand. In addition, if the professor is not available, most courses have T.A.s (teachers assistants) that also have office hours and are very knowledgeable about the material being taught.

Amanda from Weston, FL

08/05/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

The University of Florida is great for students that are interested in Greek Life. UF has a fantastic Greek community that works on tons of charity events each semester. UF is also great for sports fans. There are not many schools with as much school spirit as the University of Florida. After all, we are the GATOR NATION! UF is also a great place for the arts. There is plenty of art to be appreciated.

Tips for prospective students

To the future gators: Make sure you perform to your full capacity. Be a part of clubs, start an organization, try something you have never done before. There are so many great things to do at UF and so many students get caught up in the daily shuffle of life that they don't even do things to set them apart from other students. Also, make sure you stay focused. Because there are so many things to do at the University of Florida, many people stray from what they came here to do. College is for bettering yourself in whatever way you can!

Bang for the buck

At the University of Florida we pay little to nothing for a World Class education. There is never a moment where I feel my education is being short-changed. Our facilities are great and our professors seem happy. The only complaint that I have is that because the state is so short on money, the school isn't exactly handing out scholarships.

Am enjoying being here

A lot of people think of Gainesville kind of like the middle of nowhere but there is actually a lot to do here! The Florida Gators are known for excelling in sports so sporting events are always great. There is plenty of live theatre, professional or non. There are great outdoor activities at Lake Wauberg such as paddle boating, canoeing, kayaking, volleyball, and much more. Nightlife at UF is always lively. Whether it is clubbing or just going out to dinner with friends, Downtown is the perfect place to go. I am never board in Gainesville.

Am learning a lot

The University of Florida is a big school with a LOT of majors and programs. The professors you have are usually still working in their area of expertise. Whether it is doing research or managing their own businesses, they really have first hand experience with how the real world works. The only reason why I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is that general education classes can be rather big so it is a little more difficult to get one on one treatment in those classes. It doesn't mean that it is not possible, it just means that it may take a little more effort.

Megan from Saint Cloud, FL

Students who aren't afraid to go off the path a little bit and have fun. People who want to learn something different, something challenging.

Tips for prospective students

Apply yourself in your Advance Placement courses because you will save money and time in college if you pass those tests. The General Education classes, especially English, basic math, and Humanities, can be grueling to sit through when you already know the bulk of the information. General Ed classes are required, so there is no way around composition and humanities, unless you decide to take courses that you like. Try to take fun and interesting electives, things you want to explore and learn more about.

Bang for the buck

The tuition keeps going up year after year, but I think it is well worth the money. You aren't paying for just and education, you are paying for the experience. Students get to attend so many events and have opportunities to do so many things that they wouldn't normally do. The money is well used on campus for all activities like fitness, health, social events, clubs, and other such things.

Am enjoying being here

There is always something to do while in Gainesville and on Campus. There are numerous clubs and groups that one can join. There are always events going on at the Union and in its surrounding areas. During the school day there are groups and clubs of people handing out information about their meetings and happenings. Aside from the social aspect, the schooling atmosphere is great. Teachers offer extra office hours to help you understand material, there are teaching labs and tutoring rooms offered to students. Its not hard to find help when you need it.

Am learning a lot

The course work is not always hard. It depends what subject area you are taking. General education classes are pretty simple and don't take too much time or effort. You just need to study the material given in class and then apply it on the exam. But, if you are taking a science course or a higher level math course then you need to apply yourself to the course and its work.

Christine from Safety Harbor, FL

08/12/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

If you like being around people who know how to have fun and are the type of person who always needs to stay busy with extracurriculars/school activities, then the University of Florida is the best. I did not realize just how large this school actually was until I arrived. That being said, you will always meet someone new no matter where you go. Whether it be the library, dining hall, or just on the bus, you can always meet a new person.

Tips for prospective students

Know how to adjust to the size of this school. It is extremely large, with a student population that is one of the largest in the nation. But this can be a plus as well, if you are the type who loves to meet new people. Befriend upperclassmen who can help you maneuver your way through the school, so they can help you choose the best teachers and classes! If you are an honors student, take advantage of the honors classes as they are very similar in size to high school classes; and that way, you'll be able to befriend honors students with similar interests.

Bang for the buck

Universities are becoming less and less affordable. And if you are a Florida resident, you really are lucky to have the Bright Futures Scholarship. The tuition of the University of Florida is increasing but the overall price of the education is worth it. You can't get the same education for this price anywhere else. It is the top research university in the state and has consistently been in the top 100 universities in the nation for its medical and research facilities.

Am enjoying being here

I really do enjoy the fact that there is so much school spirit here. Especially during homecoming week, it gets you pumped up. I am not a big fan of sports but the people at this school get so hyped up for games that you can't help but join in the fun. The only downside I have to this school is that it is extremely large. It is hard to meet life long friends in classes just because a lot of the general education classes are 300+ people and you aren't sitting around the same people at every lecture. I wish there was a smaller student: teacher ratio.

Am learning a lot

I definitely had some doubts coming here. I graduated from a highly accredited International Baccalaureate Program so I had applied to top universities all over the country, including some Ivy Leagues. Because I didn't get into some of the schools I applied to, I was limited to the University of Florida (mainly for the cost). In my mind, I had this stereotype that the education standards of public schools weren't that competitive; however, I was definitely and totally wrong about that. I am a pre-med student here and I have met some of the smartest people at this school. This is not an easy A school by far (being medical-school bound) and you have to work hard to earn the best grade. It is very intellectually stimulating and that was what I had misjudged when I first arrived. If you put in the effort and study just as any student should, you will see the results of your hard work.

Tammi from Palmetto Bay, FL

Those who don't mind a big university, a town full of just college students, those who know how to balance studying and partying.

Tips for prospective students

Turn in your application early.

Will enjoy being here

I personally fell in love with the campus, I've been there a couple times already, checking out many of the dorms, and the classes themselves, thanks to my currently attending friends. It's a complete college town though, so prepared to be surrounded by a lot of young people.

Will learn a lot

WIth every testimonial I have gotten from many family members and friends currently attending and those who have previously attended UF, they all have incredible things to say. The classes are definitely a challenge, but the professors all keep the best in mind for their students.

Emma from Tampa, FL

Come in with the right mindset. You have to be ready to put yourself out there and meet new people.

Bang for the buck

People complain about rising tuition prices and diminishing Bright Futures funds, but really, we get a great deal here. Florida residents pay some of the cheapest tuition in the country. However, I will say that UF doesn't really give scholarship money. I'm in the Honors Program and I didn't get any aid at all. But still, I'm very happy with the cost.

Am enjoying being here

UF is pretty intimidating. There are thousands of students here and you really need to make an effort because it's really easy to get lost in the crowd. That being said, there are tons of opportunities to meet other people. During the first semester, the housing association puts on a ton of events for students to go to. Greek life has a really big presence on campus. Sorority recruitment is really intense and lots of girls end up dropping out or just plain being dropped. Those who make it in seem to love it but it's easy to be swept into the constant parties and socials. Obviously, football is really big on campus. On gamedays everything just stops. People park their cars and RVs in the middle of our fields, over sidewalks, and in front of buildings. The gameday spirit is infectious and you will come out of the stadium singing, It's great to be a Florida Gator! Still, if you're not into sports there's a place for you too. Not everyone here lives and breathes football. There are tons of clubs you can get involved that help you meet people and make friends. Be warned- UF is a party school. We have Gator Nights on Fridays which features new movies, crafts, entertainment, and free food, but there is really nothing to do on Saturday except go out to parties and clubs. So be warned!

Am learning a lot

UF definitely has great academics! We have a great reputation not only in Florida but in the entire country. The admissions team isn't joking when they claim that the Gator Nation is everywhere. There are tons of networking options, internships, and research opportunities. The classes here aren't easy, but college isn't easy. You're not going to pay thousands of dollars for nothing. Keep in mind that UF is a big school. Many intro classes have hundreds if not thousands of students. However, these are usually broken down into smaller sections with TAs who are usually pretty helpful. Also, there are a ton of online classes. These usually have a live lecture opportunity but keep in mind that it's very easy to fall behind. This doesn't bode well for relationships with your professors. If you end up with online classes I recommend introducing yourself so you're not lost in the crowd. Professors are always available during office hours and there are tons of other resources like the Broward Teaching Center which is free for students. Still, I must say that UF does cater to its business, premed, and engineering students. These programs are definitely the strongest. That's not to say that the others are weak, but funding goes to the sciences before anything else.

Steven from Bradenton, FL

11/03/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Students who are constantly looking to achieve will find a good home at the University of Florida. There are innumerable resources for UF students. Let me repeat that for purpose of emphasis. There are INNUMERABLE RESOURCES for UF students. There are opportunities to expand your mind and skill set, serve your local and global community, and simply have the time of your life. You will be only treated as a number by the University of Florida if you treat yourself as such.

Tips for prospective students

Study more than you think you need to for your first exams. Do not study as you did in high school. Many of the introductory courses are weed-out courses in which many students will fail and then reconsider their previously determined major. Luckily, UF offers 100+ majors through its sixteen colleges. It's okay to enter the University of Florida as an undeclared or exploratory major. You're likely to find your desired area of study within three semesters of attendance. Get involved. There are numerous clubs, sports, and other miscellaneous extracurricular activities to engage in to supplement your education and skill abilities. More than anything, for freshmen, they are a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Most students suffer homesickness in their first three weeks. Having friends makes things a little easier.

Bang for the buck

As a public university, students meeting Florida residency requirements will find the University of Florida very affordable in comparison to institutions of similar stature throughout the country and even throughout the state. Other public universities within the state of Florida cost more and do not offer nearly the same degree of resources to their students. Realistically, scholarships directly from the university are limited. On the flip side, changes in federal financial aid in addition to your expected family contribution will make the need for private loans unlikely.

Am enjoying being here

It's great to be a Florida Gator. Go Gators! School spirit at the University of Florida is like no other, especially your high school. Orange and Blue are worn proudly on all days of the week, particularly on game days. Alumni go all out in their tail-gating escapades. Sitting in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and watching our team play on Florida Field is an experience like no other. It's a feeling I've felt nowhere else.

Am learning a lot

The University of Florida is a large public university with introductory stadium-sized classes and smaller intermediate and advanced classes. However, the free resources in the ways of office hours are numerous for all courses; office hours are provided by Teaching Assistants (graduate students), additional instructors (adjunct or new professors) and full professors (doctorate holders). As well, with many students taking a course it is easy to find or create a study group for any of your courses, often the best way to learn. The course listings are endless in number and subject. In addition, study abroad programs offer additional opportunities to travel outside the United States while obtaining your undergraduate degree.

Kathleen from Fort Myers, FL

The work hard and play hard students; overachievers; the students who like to be involved.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved! It is the best way to adjust, and also the fastest way to make friends! Also, be prepared to study, because the University of Florida takes academics more seriously than the parties it hosts on the weekends.

Bang for the buck

College is going to be expensive, and for the middle- and upper-class students coming in, UF doesn't provide too much for financial aid. However, any lab/class fees that I've incurred have always been fair and reasonable.

Am enjoying being here

Although it may seem like there isn't much to do, Gainesville and UF have a lot to offer. There are so many clubs and activities that you can participate in, and there is a niche for everyone! The more involved you become the happier you are, and the faster you make friends!

Am learning a lot

There is a lot to learn as long as you're willing to stick with the courses and study for your classes. The professors want you to succeed and do well, but there are so many students that they usually don't have time to follow up if you decide not to do your work. All of the professors that I've had so far are willing to help with anything as long as you ask for help! Overall, the learning environment is great!

Cherese from Miramar, FL

11/07/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Tips for prospective students

Get involved, but don't get distracted. Let's go GATORS!!!

Bang for the buck

Higher tuition, lower financial aid this year is a killer but study hard and get those scholarships and you'll be fine. Depending on where you go it is definitely cheaper to live off-campus with better living conditions, but on-campus is so convenient as far as everyday commute to class goes.

Am enjoying being here

Well its a college town so outside of house parties, the night life is pretty slow. But you can always find something to do with friends, and there is usually always something going on on-campus or at the different apartment complexes near campus.

Am learning a lot

You learn a lot, you even learn new places on- and off- campus during your years studying at UF. The professors are usually nice and willing to speak to you, or the TA's are available if the course is an assembly (large) class. Actually the different housing communities on campus have their own learning community, where Hume is the honors program, Springs is wellness and sex education... just to name a few.

Benjamin from Gainesville, FL

11/21/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Looking for a certain challenge in academics, but at the same time you like to have fun, party, and want your school to have a greek system and a football team that will always muster a lot of fan school spirit.

Tips for prospective students

Apply, we're always looking for baby gators.

Bang for the buck

Compared to the education I would have gotten at other Universities I was admitted to (NYU, BU) UF is far more valuable. One of the top public universities no doubt.

Am enjoying being here

GO GATORS! The swamp has quickly become my home. I have made so many friends, and the environment is great. There is always something to do, somewhere to be, or some resource offered to you. UF or die.

OCN

-Majors that emphasize an understanding of chemistry. -Engineer majors

Tips for prospective students

Ask upperclassmen and professors for assistance on how to study and assimilate the new atmosphere. Try to study a bit everyday and your stress level during finals week will be considerably low as compared to everyone else's.

Bang for the buck

They say the University of Florida is a public Ivy school. Given that it's tuition and other costs are less than 6000 dollars a semester per student, that is pretty good.

Am enjoying being here

Not a lot of people go to their dorms in the night on any given day because there's so many things to do outside the dorm. There's sporting events every season, programs every few weeks, and much more. But one should really watch themselves from letting all the distractions take away his or her focus from studies.

Am learning a lot

Many of the math and science courses here drive you to actively learn or you risk a rather low grade. There are quite a lot of courses you can take to explore your interests in specific career fields.

Adam from Bradenton, FL

12/08/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

UF is a good school as long as you are willing to put forth the effort. The classes are tough to keep up with, so you have to be a diligent, hardworking student. If you slack off, you will fall way behind and potentially kill your GPA. Student's need to be prepared to develop good time management skills in order to succeed here.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved! Join different organizations and take on leadership roles on campus. This is a great way for you to meet new people and gain skills for life after college. Also a great resume booster for graduate school, or future careers.

Bang for the buck

You really do get what you pay for. It is certainly not cheap by any means, but the amazing educational value of this institution certainly makes up for the cost of attending.

Am enjoying being here

I love all of my classes and the general atmosphere of this campus. I thought I was going to hate it being such a big campus, but I have met so many great people who I know will be lifelong friends.

Am learning a lot

This is a great educational institution! I am very impressed with the amount that I am learning not only in my coursework, but life skills as well. The classes are a little big for my taste, but as long as one takes advantage of the professor's office hours, they are not too difficult.

Yerim from Tampa, FL

12/22/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

The University of Florida is great for all kinds of students. Those who are athletically inclined, those musically inclined, etc. There are several majors offered and a plethora of clubs and different groups you can join!

Tips for prospective students

Manage your time wisely. Because there are so many things you can do and there are so many new people you want to meet, you can get distracted from your education and your GPA can plummet in just one semester.

Bang for the buck

Buying things on campus from on campus stores or the restaurants can be a bit pricey for an average college student -- but if you use coupons that are sent to you all throughout the school year, you can get a great price for what you buy.

Am enjoying being here

College is definitely fun and I'm enjoying my time here. The University of Florida has lots to offer for everyone. For example, if you enjoy arts and crafts there's a great arts and crafts area on the ground floor of the Reitz Union, if you enjoy playing sports there are 2 gyms that offer intramural sport teams you can join. Football is very popular on campus, I recommend going to a football game at least once. You can feel the school spirit within the field and it's awesome just rooting for the same team with your fellow gators. Also, other than football - other sporting events are free for UF students!

Am learning a lot

Definitely learning a lot - in many aspects other than from school. Being exposed to different people, different places and different situations you are able to learn a lot and grow exponentially. Getting involved in different clubs/groups will allow you to open your eyes to different people and you can learn a lot about the world and yourself.

Alefiya from Orlando, FL

Hard working but very social Outgoing students and if one is looking for language classes this school does a great job.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to look at all the resources available. Such as where one can print for free or when one can print at any hour of the day. Also, make sure that the university receives any AP or IB scores before coming to school because that can mess up the registration date. Also, check for professors.

Bang for the buck

No. University of Florida makes one pay for everything. From the overuse of electricity in the dormitory to paying for printing as well as making one pay for an online book through tuition fees.

Am enjoying being here

I am enjoying it here due to the freedom. I live in a dormitory, so there is much I can do and many friends that I have made. Also, the clubs are very nice and unique.

Am learning a lot

I am learning quite a bit yes, but due to the retaking of a lot of my classes because of medical school requirements I haven't learned as much new material yet.

Caleb from Lynn Haven, FL

Campus Police are always patrolling, safety emergency call stations at every other block, and SAFE guarding the football games.

Greek Life

There are many different Fraternities and Sororeities organized around many clubs and departments.

Clubs and Activities

There is a club for any interest. We have Quidditch!

Great for these types of students

Anyone

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Having your picture taken with the Bull Gator. Mud Fest, where they dig a hole behind the residence halls and floors play different sports and games in the mud pit to win the Mud Fest Floor trophy.

Bang for the buck

I like the school but I feel that for the price we're charged(more than 18,000 per year) the classes should be paced enough so that the majority of a class can follow and comprehend most of the material.

What to do for fun

Join a club or sports team. Hang out with friends at the many places on campus.

Food and Dining

The Dining Halls have a wide buffet-style selection for anyone of any background.

Dorm Life

The Dorms are pleasant, great people. The RA's try to arrange fun activities to bring the floor together.

Academic Rigor

Freshmen 1st Semester has been tough, but that's what college should be.

Tips for prospective students

You have to work hard to pass these classes. The courses move very quickly so you may often have to ask your teacher or TA for help. If you are doing poorly, talk with others in your class about how they are doing or extra help that is offered.

In three sentences

UF has an amazing campus and has many different groups and clubs to accomadate any student who attends. Most of the Professors I've had are very knoledgable and able to teach to their students. I do disagree with how the Engineering Dept. course grades are calculated because many of the courses are too fast paced which causes many student s to do poorly, yet most student's grades are curved to B's anyway.

Marissa from Gainesville, FL

01/15/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Safety on campus is a priority. There is a bus service called SNAP that runs until about 4 am where students can call from one location and asked to be taken to any other location on campus. Its also free! UF also has safety emergency call centers all over campus, so if there is an emergency, you can just push one button and help will be provided.

Greek Life

Greek life is big here at UF so new students should try it out to see if it is something they are interested in. It is a great way to meet new people. However, it is not for everyone. Being in a sorority or fraternity can be very time consuming. Therefore, if you are looking for something that pertains to your major specifically or want to meet people that share your interests, it might be more beneficial to find a club on campus that caters to your interests.

Clubs and Activities

There are various clubs on campus: arts and crafts club, student government, and even a quidditch team. There is something for everyone.

Great for these types of students

Students who are social, active in school activities, international students, and students who want to attend prestigious graduate programs are all students who are perfect for the University of Florida.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is a book called the F book that has traditions that freshmen should all try out just for fun. There is also a bat cave on campus which is a very unusual spot that is not common for college campuses.

Bang for the buck

You pay for tuition and housing but in return you get an education that you cannot experience anywhere else. You meet people that will become part of your life forever and have teachers that show you a new perspective on learning and on life in general.

What to do for fun

The pool at broward is very relaxing. The gyms on campus also have fitness classes which are a great way to exercise and meet new people at the same time.

Food and Dining

Gator dining services tries to hard to impress students. Many students enjoy simple ways of dining instead of the fancy foods offered at broward and gator dining halls.

Dorm Life

The dorms are not great quality but they provide a convenient way of living because they are on campus and students do not need a car to get to classes.

Academic Rigor

The classes are challenging and definitely give students the amount of knowledge they need to succeed in a career and in life in general.

Tips for prospective students

Try to get involved on campus as much as possible because it makes the college experience ten times better.

In three sentences

The teachers are enthusiastic about the subject they are teaching which makes the students excited to learn. The campus is beautiful and spaced efficiently. There are various ways for students to get involved on campus.

Michele from Cocoa, FL

you will always have the latest information when it comes to campus safety. they send out mass texts and also alert emails informing you of the problem and also when the problem has been resolved.

Greek Life

it's everywhere.

Clubs and Activities

the university of florida has more clubs and activities then anyone could possibly imagine. as a student you will never feel left out or have a boring friday night. whether it be midnight breakfast in your residence hall or starbucks at the library.

Great for these types of students

if you are the student who was involved in everything and love a challenge this is the campus for you.

Bang for the buck

the tuition is expensive compared to other universities but you learn so much it is honestly worth it.

What to do for fun

everything from sporting events to guest speakers and concerts you will never be bored!

Food and Dining

everywhere you go you have a dining location in sight. i do not have a meal plan (a little to much money for my taste) but i do eat at the other restaurants on campus including moe's, chili's to go, startbucks (lots and lots of them), and more.

Dorm Life

i live with two other people in a room meant for two but i love it. you meet some amazing people on your floor and it's a great way to start friendships. just remember to bring sandals for the communal showers!

Academic Rigor

you get your money's worth at this school. no high school can prepare you for the work you will see in these college courses but you learn so much the challenge is worth it.

Damaris from Miami, FL

01/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

there are a bunch of museums on-campus, and you can usually find a show of some kind every weekend. midtown and downtown are good for spending a night dancing. there are 3 movie theaters near campus, 2 of which play some really interesting movies. of course there's lake wauburg for those weekends where you want to do something different.

Food and Dining

you won't ever have to go searching for a place to eat here. there are restaurants pretty much everywhere. the school offers a meal plan as well for both on and off campus students.

Dorm Life

dorms are ok depending on what building you get. living on-campus is convenient, but being off-campus isn't much different, and it is much more comfortable.

Academic Rigor

a lot is expected from the students here. don't expect to be able to slack off and party every night.

Tips for prospective students

definitely live off-campus if you can afford it, and if you can find some roommates that you're comfortable with.

In three sentences

it's a great college town. pretty much everything around here is done with the students in mind. the campus is beautiful, and the classes are great.

Nathalie from Melbourne, FL

01/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Greek Life

sorority girls dress like they're going to the gym, frat boys dress like their going to a company bbq. it's pretty typical. my roommate is in delta zeta and she says greek life takes up a lot of your free time, but she loves it. some other friends say that everyone acts fake to impress each other and fit in but they don't mind it. unless you pledge a dry house (one that doesn't provide alcohol) expect to drink heavily weekly, age doesn't make a difference. the pressure to drink when you are part of a sorority or fraternity is more than you would expect. in my opinion, the friends you buy through joining a house (and its not cheep), aren't the kinds of friends you want to depend on for the next 4 years. but there are sororities and fraternities that aren't like this! although the other greeks don't really see them as really part of the greek life, there are some of dry houses. these are mostly the ones that have a christian or community service focus. these actually do provide life-long friendships and sisterhood/brotherhood. but beware, business/engineering/whatever frats (which are often co-ed) are not necessarily dry houses just because they aren't social houses.

Clubs and Activities

the university of florida has so many different clubs, you are bound to find the perfect fit! if you want to get involved on campus, there are countless organizations you can join.

Bang for the buck

if you live in florida, you are definitely getting your moneys worth. especially if you have the bright futures scholarship. uf is not anymore expensive than the other universities in florida, but it is by far the best. if you are paying out of state tuition, it gets kinda pricey but not any more than any other florida university.

What to do for fun

partttyy! no i'm kidding, please don't. there are plenty of other things to do here. in the reitz union they have bowling (and cosmic bowling on some nights), there is a roller skating alley a short drive away, gator nights every friday, and there's always some sort of game going on (football games are the best!). but fun isn't in the activities you do, but the people you are with. hanging out with your closest 20 friends is always a blast and you'l find that your circle of friends never stops growing. one of the best things to do over the weekends is to go to lake wauberg. you can go kayaking, sailing, canoeing, swimming, rock climbing and a whole bunch of other stuff for free with your gator 1 id card. plus, each uf student can bring 2 non-students with them for when your non-uf friends come to visit. but if you must, there's plenty of partying every night in midtown or at the frat houses.

Food and Dining

the meal plans are great for the first couple weeks but by the end of the semester you will hate the dining hall food. i wouldn't suggest getting a meal plan. the way the dining hall works is essentially a buffet. you pay a certain amount (at most $9 if you don't have any meal plan, or just swipe your id if you do have one) and you can stay there and eat as much as you want. downside: foods not that great, non-paying friends can't come in with you, closes at 11 and opens at 10(?), not many healthy choices. upside: you never have to cook or buy groceries. i would suggest eating at the dining hall or any restaurant for the first couple of weeks while you get settled (you can pay cash or card or whatever) and then buy groceries and make your own food. publix and target (walmart doesn't have a good selection of food) have plenty of frozen microwavable dinners. every traditional dorm has a microwave, stove, and oven in its lounge by the way. as far as restaurants go, we have a pretty good selection. we have food courts in the reitz union, the hub, and next to the student rec center. if you don't want to eat at any of the restaurants in there, you can always walk down university avenue which has plenty of places to eat.

Dorm Life

it's not terrible, but it's not wonderful either. i would suggest living in a dorm for the first year, because it is convenient and close to classes. you also meet lots of great people and usually you live close to your friends. beware of the random roommate. here are some of the demographics off the top of my head: the traditional dorms have no co-ed floors, but all buildings are co-ed (1st floor is boys, 2nd floor is girls) east: all the engineers, 15 min walk to turlington (where most classes will be) weaver: all the foreigners, connected to east graham and trusler: normal people, 30 second walk to weaver broward: party place, 5 min walk to turlington yulee: normal people, 7 min walk to turlington in the apartment style dorms, all floors are co-ed murphery (spelling may be a bit off): closest you can get to turlington, its like a 2 min walk beaty towers: lots of greeks, close to sorority row, 15 min walk to turlington

Academic Rigor

again, if you party you have a slim chance of being successful at this school. know that classes here are difficult and very different than any class you've taken at the ap or dual enrollment level. learning is completely up to you and you need to be self motivated. do not fall behind. you need to hit the ground running from the first day of class. have your books bought before school starts (amazon and other online sites are great if you're on a budget) and start your reading on the first day. study groups are really helpful, try to establish one in each class within the first couple weeks and don't wait until the final comes around. stay off of facebook. facebook will take up more hours in your day than you spend sleeping (that's a joke, college students don't sleep).

Tips for prospective students

if you love to party, don't come here. there are parties every night and if you don't have your priorities straight, your grades will suffer dramatically. it's easier than you think to fail a class. for you that don't plan on trying the party scene, no fear, there are plenty of students that don't party that you can spend your time with. also, avoiding parties is not difficult. random roommates don't always turn out the way you think they will. if you have rules about the opposite sex sleeping in the room, drinking/coming home drunk, being messy, etc. then i strongly suggest moving in with someone you know and have talked about your standards with. if you have to have a random, go over the rules in the beginning of the semester. also, get to know your ras, tas, professors, and advisers. if you're still applying, know that your essay is what makes or breaks you. plenty of students here do not have the ideal gpas or standardized test scores. you want them to know that you're more than just some grades. show them when you have been a leader, or what you have planned for your future. you want your essay to tug at their hearts. let them know that you absolutely must go to this school, and don't forget some gator pride!

In three sentences

the university of florida has a ton of wonderful opportunities! teachers and staff do their best to get you internships, jobs, and important connections. we have so many different groups you can join and so many different people you will meet, there's a place for everyone here. you will have to work hard but its the same as any good university you will consider, you get out what you put in.

Taryn from FL

01/28/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

i guess we're safe... there's blue emergency lights scattered around the campus, a separate police dept for uf, and scan-card dorms, but rapings and suspects with guns have been reported to the students via email and text just in fall 2011. oh and some shots fired... but i haven't seen anything, which is good. just make smart choices. the person who got raped, got in the car for a ride to campus with an elderly male she didn't know.

Greek Life

i hear about them. i see they're busy but i don't know much for a fact. was gonna join a co-ed frat to get out more, but of course i didn't have enough time to rush.

Clubs and Activities

usually always something to do. don't know about the weekends. many clubs offerings it's pretty amazing. it still looks dead many weekends unless there's a game then you see all these unwanted visitors outside your window, around campus, doing whatever. the only thing i still haven't adapted to is random large groups of kids making things more difficult to study, eat before class, or other things. i really wish they school would let us know who's coming and when since i live here... it's like a tour group coming to your house univitied, being noisy, messy, and just rude. and i just don't like kids. it makes me want to wear a chastity belt.

Great for these types of students

financially-handicapped average students. i think this sums up the people who attend the school.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

underwear run. got a full view of screaming half-naked people from my dorm at night. they have a tradition book that they give you when you get accepted and you get medals for the traditions you do.

Bang for the buck

it's pretty well worth it for instate. don't know any out of staters. for free bus transport around gainesville, free various events w/ free food, the education, rooms, and whatever.

i've been eating organic for years before coming to uf and now that diet is totally ruined. i have no idea what i'm consuming and have gotten sick a couple of times (especially during move-in week). there is never a shortage which is great and many different food options for the meal plan or off which is great. i just would like organic. if you care, they have vegan and vegetarian options available everywhere i believe. looking back, i think i would have cooked for myself because it would have been cheaper, but as a over full time engineering student, i don't know if i would have had time to (probably mass-cooking for the week on the weekends). most of my friends love it tho... i <3 the ice cream and sweets in buffet places, starbuckses, and the applicable flex bucks in the on-campus convenient stores.

Dorm Life

it depends where you live, how many people you live with, and their year in college. i live in a single room (as a freshmen in fletcher). many freshmen didn't know about this, so it rocks having my own. i didn't realize that i would want my own room, but after hearing crazy roommates stories from the people i met, i now require a single room (and i didn't just get a room, i got a suite). i have two other roommates who have their own single suites and we share a living room. we still have to walk down the hall to go to the bathroom, but it's never crowded. i never seen more than four people in the bathroom (but that's just fletcher for you). one of my roommates is hardly ever here (a senior) and my other roommate (a junior) sleeps around in her room as well as other questionable things and allows different guys to sleep in our living room (which is not allowed - if i said something to my ra , they'd be in trouble). it does bother me, but i'm a little antisocial and slightly non-confrontational. despite all this my door has a lock, so i'm good unless they bother me or are too loud. i recommend actually not living in fletcher along university dr. since there are all these clubs and karaoke places across the street and the windows in the dorm are by no means sound proof. apparently they're historic and can not be replaced nor do the local authorities care about the ruckus they cause. overall, living in the corner of our floor isolated by a security-coded door from the rest of the floor prevents a dorm life. and on the weekends most people go home and come back on sun night or mon morning. i plan on living off campus next year for a better and cheaper experience.

Academic Rigor

i think it depends what you major. i major in mechanical engineering (so i'd give meche a 3.5 as a 2nd semester freshman). i could study harder and could rate this as a 2, but i'm a little on the lazy side. one thing to know: looking back on high school days, i didn't study at got a's and b's cause i got a photographic memory, but you can forget getting an a without working for it (depending on your classes and major). in science, engineering, and the relevant - impossible. you will have to study or drop out of college. for business (i'm minoring in entrepreneurship), some classes are weed-out classes as is calc i for engineers, since so many aspire to be the same thing. they want to see who's serious about their future, so it's not for the faint of heart. i have no clue about other bs majors (people who major in something cuz they don't have it figured out yet or don't want to work hard in college), but if you're aspiring to do that, apparently you'll have a lot of time to party (something i don't have - but could; i just took the max credit allotment so there's hope)

Tips for prospective students

it was not that hard to get in... i feel that if you are at least an average high school student living in florida (avg grades of b), then you're accepted. a lot of my friends did not end up here because they chose to party dangerously, not make themselves well-rounded individuals, not think about scholarships,... in short, they chose not to worry about their future. another good chunk just simply could not afford in-state tuition, but that factors into thinking about scholarships, because bright futures offers an almost fool-proof way of affording in-state public institutions. they still don't cover everything, but uf offers scholarships to remarkable individuals (a-b students/ or need-based). last important note: turn in your fafsa early, you get more scholarships. basically anything turned in early at college will get you something a little special (or guaranteed).

In three sentences

i did not want to come to this school initial, but it put me in the best financial situation in the long run, so i ended up declining places such as ohio state, university of texas - austin, carnegie mellon, and rensselaer polytech. u of central florida offered me a better financial deal for one year, but uf took care of 4 years financing plus it offers a higher quality education than ucf. since i am now in the process of taking responsibility for my bills (asking the parents to let me take care of it), if given the chance to go back in time and choose all over again, i would have still chosen uf on the basis of wise financial decisions and being able to deal uncomfortably in my undergrad years in order to reach for the best in grad years.

Jessica from Casselberry, FL

01/31/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

we receive texts and emails if there is ever any situation to be aware of.

Greek Life

i have not participated in a social greek sorority, but i am currently the president of a professional fraternity. there are a lot of options for greek life, even if you don't want to get involved in a social fraternity or sorority.

Clubs and Activities

too many to list. there is literally a club for anything. i have friends who started the beautiful people bike club. you can start your own organization or join one of the hundreds that are already available.

Great for these types of students

people who like to work out, ride their bike, enjoy the downtown night life.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

krishna lunch is home cooked meals offered in front of library west every day for only $4. turlington plaza is also very active nonstop due to rallies, booths by student organizations and protests.

Bang for the buck

as a florida resident, the price of tuition at the university of florida is hard to beat, especially for the quality of education that you will receive.

What to do for fun

there are a lot of natural sites to visit around gainesville, such as payne's prairie and lake wauberg. a lot of places are free or cheaper for students. the gyms on campus are great and newly remodeled. the downtown life has a lot to offer and there are a lot of community events and art fairs that take place downtown.

Food and Dining

the selection is great all around campus, but the price is a little more expensive due to the fact that many people who live on campus have meal plans and can only manage to get around on campus. there are also no kids meals or value items like you would see in the same restaurant or fast food place off campus.

Dorm Life

i have never lived in a dorm because of a late application for housing, but as far as i know, they are much, much more expensive than many off campus housing solutions and you have much less space and privacy. living off campus has been amazing, the bus systems are good and a scooter or bike is a good investment.

Academic Rigor

as an architecture student, the rigor in my major is probably very different from many other majors. you will have to study to pass your classes and it is worth it to put in all of the effort that you can!

Tips for prospective students

it would be wise to scope out all of the on and off campus living arrangements before deciding on where to live. the typical uf student moves into a new apartment every year, which is expensive. find the right place the first year and stick to it for your entire education in gainesville. join a student organization and volunteer! this will make a difference in your applications for scholarships and your resume but also provides a foundation for meeting new people. study abroad if you can! it is completely worth it, but look for scholarships very early!

In three sentences

the university of florida has an amazing campus with all of the equipment, facilities and programs that become important to your studies. there is a wide range of organizations and groups to join to familiarize yourself with the campus and your fellow students in your first few years but stay relevant and important as you continue your education. all of the staff and professors that i have personally interacted with have been more than helpful and have helped me with my education beyond what they are paid to do.

Allison from Vero Beach, FL

01/31/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

the university of florida also offers many activities around campus you can do for fun. there is of course the wide spread of athletic games you can enjoy such as basketball and football. for others who do not enjoy sports depending on what you enjoy there is an activity for everyone!

Food and Dining

the food at the university of florida is very good. not only does the dining hall offer great food, but you can also use your meal plan card at other restaurants around campus. so dining on campus is very easy especially if you live in a dorm.

Dorm Life

when living in a dorm, be sure to get to know your roommate or roommates well. they may be your college friend for life. there are plenty of people in your dorm such as your ra who are willing to help with any problem you are facing. dorm life also gives you opportunities to form study groups for finals and midterms.

Academic Rigor

the university of florida is a much more difficult academic environment than high school. even if you were in intense classes such as ib or ap do not expect college, especially the university of florida, to be easy. be aware that you may not do as well your first semester, you may have to adjust to new study habits and perhaps even tutoring.

Tips for prospective students

for anyone considering going to the university of florida, do not be scared of its size. there is a place for you in such a huge environment and the teachers and teacher's assistants are always willing to help in any way they can. also, get involved find something you love and go for it!

In three sentences

the university of florida is a huge campus and may seem intimidating at first. the teachers are very helpful in making sure you understand the information even if the class is large. there is also many tutoring programs to keep you ahead of the material.

Cassidy from Jacksonville, FL

01/31/2012

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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What to do for fun

the football games, tailgating and everything they do during this time is an experience worth having. it's what you imagine college life to be. walking the campus or the town is just as fun too. and you are not far from one of the biggest malls around.

Tips for prospective students

visit the campus, and go to a support event. it will be hard to turn your back on this college after you do.

In three sentences

i love this school so much. it is what the town is all about. the campus is beautiful, the classes are great, and the people have southern hospitality.

Anonymous Gator

02/02/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

not only are there police on campus at all times but the university of florida goes to great lengths to protect the students living in the dorms. there are also blue phones throughout the campus which allow you to call 9-1-1 if you are every in trouble.

Greek Life

the university of florida has multiple sororities and fraternities each with there are traditions. uf also has sororities and fraternities based on the academic college you are put into which is based on your major.

Clubs and Activities

the university of florida has about 1000 clubs with everything from a quidditch team to clubs for intramural sports.

Great for these types of students

uf is great for students who are excited for the total college experience. it's great to be a part of the gator nation and cheer on your the gators during football games. however, it's also great for academically focused students as uf is quite prestigious and academically focused, especially with mathematics and sciences.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

one big tradition at the university of florida includes getting your picture taken with the bull gator when you graduate.

Bang for the buck

going to school at the university of florida is worth every penny as they offer an amazing education with a plethora of fun classes and majors to choose from.

What to do for fun

there is so much to do at the university of florida! in the reitz union there is a game room with a bowling alley which is always a lot of fun. uf also has gator nights every friday night, where students can go to the reitz union for free and partake in a bunch of activities including midnight breakfast. they also show movies in the reitz union on fridays. there are also about 1000 clubs at uf as well as multiple sororities and fraternities. lastly the gator nation is very big on football. there's nothing like being in the swamp cheering on the gators with your gator family.

Food and Dining

the university of florida has 2 dining halls on campus, broward dining hall and gator dining. they give you the option to purchase a meal plan and you can go to either of these locations to eat. the university of florida also had other restaurants on campus including, chili's, moe's, chick-fil-a, burger king, subway, panda express, papa john's, multiple starbucks, and many more. the university of florida does a great job offering multiple meal plans options as well as a declining balance option and the sororities and fraternities have meal options as well.

Dorm Life

dorm life is very fun! living in the dorms is a great way to meet people as well as get to know the campus. the university of florida has a large campus which can be overwhelming at first but by living in the dorms you get to know your way around campus much faster and it's very nice to be able to go back to your dorm in between classes if you forgot something.

Academic Rigor

the university of florida is a very difficult university, rumored to be the ivy league of the south. much studying is involved to receive good grades here especially in the mathematics and science classes. while classes are difficult, the professors are great and offer various hours where you can ask questions. the professors also have teaching assistants which are also available to help you.

Tips for prospective students

prospective students should work very hard in high school to maintain good grades. not only should prospective students maintain good grades but they should also focus on their extracurriculars and be sure to partake in community service. once accepted to the university of florida, students should prepare to study hard as the university of florida takes their academics very seriously.

In three sentences

the university of florida is an amazing university full of school spirit, and at the same time extremely focused on academics. while the university of florida is a large university, it is obvious how much the university cares about their students as they offer many study opportunities resources. uf is a great university that truly encompasses the college experience while making sure their students receive a great education.

Emma from Jacksonville, FL

beside their stellar academic status, uf is a little community all to itself. there is an endless list of the activities, clubs, fraternities, sports, and groups here! you will never be bored.

Great for these types of students

you must love one of the following: liberal arts, science, history, math, religon, sports, writing, drama, music, really any sort of academia and who are willing to work hard. the gator nation pays off on the weekends - they know how to have fun! you will love it here because there is so much to do, and all different kinds of people. quiet, loud, serious, funny, logical, romantic, athletic, studious, outgoing, shy, crazy, practical, everybody will find their place.

Bang for the buck

if you are a florida resident, try to attain the bright futures scholarship. frankly, it's a one-way ticket into any florida public college. and there are plenty of ways to receive financial aid.

Food and Dining

let's face it: college food is nothing like mom's cooking. but don't let that discourage you. there are different food plans which are pretty flexible. and plenty of places to shop for groceries or eat out, so the choice is yours.

Dorm Life

as far as i'm concerned, the rooming facilities on the campus are exceptional. there are so many options for a student to chose from; from family apartments to single room dorms, from 4 - 5 students in a dorm to the fraternity and sorority houses. you'll find your perfect fit here.

Academic Rigor

i won't lie, its tough to get into their prestigious programs but it totally pays off. you will learn so much and in a freindly environment. although the gators party hearty, they know when to buckle down and get to work. if you wanna go all out on saturday night, get you homework done. you don't want to fall behind and miss out on the real fun - finally getting your degree.

Tips for prospective students

study hard and apply early - it's not impossible to get in but there is a lot of competition. make sure you know your major lind of, your 11th grade year, so you can meet the required classes. definetely chek out the requirements for application and admission as they have changed over the past few years.

In three sentences

one of the best public universities for potential medical and veterinary students. a fantastic atsmosphere and feeling that gives you chills. the coolest darn school in florida and don't you forget it.

Olivia M.

02/06/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

we've got buses that practically run all night, on and off campus. there's also snap, which will pick you up and drop you off in front of your dorm at night. ufpd, gainesville pd, and the alachua county sheriff's dept are all involved, so no worries. stay in well lit areas and call snap if you're out past midnight.

Greek Life

i live near frat row, which is on campus and far from sorority row, which is technically off campus. both have ample members and events and would be worthwhile if greek life is for you.

Clubs and Activities

i believe there are over a thousand clubs and i'm pretty sure you could find something interesting....if not, why not grab a few of your friends and start another one?

Great for these types of students

you won't pass the classes without some intense study sessions and a whole lot of work, so lazy bones need not apply.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

don't kiss the bull gator outside of the swamp if you're germaphobic. make sure you get to the top floor of the reitz - they have great food. also, you can climb to the top of century tower your senior year if you're a member of the student alumni association, which is totally worth it.

Bang for the buck

it pays to be a florida resident, although being a part of the gator nation is priceless. also, being able to hear football and basketball games from my room doesn't hurt either.

What to do for fun

you could check out the swamp for a good workout or a quiet study place in the winter. the reitz union has an arcade with a bowling alley. each residence area usually has an event going on and some are open to everyone. also, don't forget to watch the football team make gator bait out of someone, preferrably the noles...

Food and Dining

the dining halls are good - all you can eat buffets for a good price, while the on campus restuarants range from burger king to chick-fil-a to subway. and don't forget the million starbucks.

Dorm Life

although most have communal bathrooms, they are cleaned every weekday and are never crowded. you'll always find a toilet or shower when you need it. i live in a double room that's 19 ft by 12 ft, ample room for fridges, tvs, and whatever else you want to stuff it with.

Academic Rigor

you've got 100+ students in one lecture hall all trying to understand one professor who may or may not answer your question. pay attention and study, study, study!

Tips for prospective students

if you're going to live on campus, fill out a housing contract and pay the deposit when you apply or your room might just be a late application triple.

In three sentences

uf is the epitome of school pride. on any given day you'll find half the school wearing orange or blue, no matter if we won or lost. everyone here is just proud to be part of the gator nation.

Keely from Gainesville, FL

02/07/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

after living on campus for two years, i can say that i have never felt in danger walking home alone at night. there are many police officers on campus during sporting events and outside of the bars and clubs on any given night just to ensure safety (rarely ever interfering otherwise). many security measures have been taken including emergency call booths highly dispersed on campus that guarantee police arrival in under one minute. the university is very conscientious of student safety and have shown to have made it a top priority on campus.

Greek Life

greek life at the university of florida is huge! about one-fourth of the students are involved in a greek organization. apart from the well known frats and sororities who are popularized by parties and socials, there are also those that are academically focused. there are business, nursing, pharmacy, medical, law, etc. co-ed or gender specific greek organizations that allow students to mingle with people sharing similar academic interests while having a good time socializing.

Clubs and Activities

we have literally over 900 organizations on campus! if you like something, we have it! this is a great way to get involved whether it be through meeting people who are of like culture, share your interest in sports, or enjoy running around like humans vs zombies (a ridiculous campus wide game of tag that literally lasts for days where observes can see people running around with bandanas and water guns all day and all night long)! seriously our campus offers something for everyone!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

the f-book is a tradition at the university of florida for the newly accepted freshman given this book filled with 100 different tasks to complete in that first year varying from taking a picture with the bull gator to going to your first uf basketball game. if you complete a certain number of them you get a prize and the more you complete the better the prize:)

What to do for fun

where to start?! honestly there are fun things for everyone because every individual has their own idea of what is entertaining! there are loads of bars and clubs around campus filled with students every night. if partying isn't for you there are free of charge gator nights for students to watch movies on the big screen, bowl or play pool, various other activities (like go carts and lazor tag) that change week to week and, of course, loads of free food! lake wauberg is where lots of people go on the weekends because they have a giant obstacle course, ropes course, canoeing and sailing boats for use as well as lessons, and other activities all free of charge for students:) the university of florida really does offer a lot of benefits to the students.

Food and Dining

the dining hall is really quite impressive for school food. included in the price of a meal you can get unlimited amounts of food and beverage as well as free trade coffee and locally made delicious ice cream. there is a very large variety of choices for every meal and the food hall is open from very early to very late. they have also taken part in the no meat monday's campaign and promote using reusable tupperware by distributing it and giving a discount for being environmentally conscious. many of the ingredients that are served in the dining halls are grown and produced by the college of agriculture which truly shows that the university does actively involve the students in the running of the school.

Dorm Life

i lived in the dorms for my first two years and really enjoyed the experience. those who are in charge of student living arrange many events (sometimes several a week) like costume parties, shaving cream fights, and always loads of food which makes it very easy to make new friends. the ras are, from what i experienced and have heard from other friends, very laid back and usually stay out of your business unless there is a problem and at those times they can be very helpful.

Academic Rigor

especially for those students that are admitted directly after high school, the transition of going from the high school to college level can be challenging. the classes are usually demanding and call for a lot of effort outside of the classroom. as for doing well in courses, it truly depends on what your major is and how disciplined you are.

Tips for prospective students

becoming apart of the gator nation is truly a privilege that should not be under played! upon admission into the university, you truly feel that you are an important and valuable addition to the school. this school admits very academically inclined students, talented athletes, and innovative thinkers and leaders of the community. the pay off of becoming a florida gator is worth putting forth the effort in high school or community college. it's a decision you will never regret!

In three sentences

the university of florida is filled with such a wide variety of students that all come together to form an amazing student body. our school provides a way to become involved in any and every type of organization which guarantees that every individual will find a niche of friends. i believe the university of florida is an amazing college academically, athletically, and socially that encourages the students to become involved and better themselves.

Shanna from Boca Raton, FL

02/09/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

there's a police department on campus (ufpd) and it's right next to the freshmen dorm area. also, uf has an alert database of all students' email addresses and if you choose, phone numbers, that sends messages whenever there is a threat on campus or near campus. there are also emergency beacons places throughout campus that allow you to push a button and an officer will come to your location immediately.

Greek Life

greek life is huge at the university of florida. frat row runs through campus and sorority row is on the edge of campus. there are 26 traditional fraternities and 16 traditional sororities. in addition to those, there are various multicultural, christian, and professional fraternities.

Clubs and Activities

every major has a variety of clubs, practically every sport imaginable has a club, and there are several different group fitness classes. there are religious clubs, community service clubs, and music ensembles, and each includes their own array of activities.

Great for these types of students

if you like to have a good time, if you're a book worm, if you're a partier, if you're career-driven, if you're serious about your education, if you like to be in a great community with a lot of people you can count on, this is the place to be.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

the bat houses are definitely an experience. on the main street that runs through campus, museum road, there's an area that has two large bat houses. if you go there at dusk, hundreds of bats fly out of the houses right over your head. it's really an amazing sight.

Bang for the buck

in-state tuition is fairly reasonable compared to other public universities in florida and out-of-state tuition is even less than some in state private universities. the sports events and opportunities available really give you the most bang for your buck.

What to do for fun

downtown features a plethora of night clubs (18+) and bars ( 21+) and midtown offers a bunch of late night live bands at the swamp or o!o grille. if you don't want to go off campus, gator nights happen every friday night at the reitz union and they show a major movie with free popcorn and soda.

Food and Dining

the bottom line is, it depends where you go on campus. everywhere is at least average, but gator dining is definitely far superior to broward dining as far as dining halls go. the reitz union food court is great! it's home to home zone which serves up the best home-cooked style meals and their mac and cheese is sinfully delicious!

Dorm Life

broward area is the place to be for incoming freshmen. i lived in rawlings my freshman year, on the third floor (tfr...third floor rawlings). it's a co-ed floor so half the floor is male and the other half female with a common room in between. also, it's traditional double rooms that is a rite of passage for freshmen. everyone that hung out in the common room ended up becoming like a family and we're all still great friends. i even met my current boyfriend there last year. the friends i made while living on tfr are now my friends for life.

Academic Rigor

you need to stay on top of your classes. if you don't, you will fall behind at an alarming rate and will suffer greatly when it comes to exam time. also, with online classes, don't just blow off the lectures because you don't feel like watching them. the next thing you know you'll have 20+ hours to watch and only 24 hours until your exam.

Tips for prospective students

engineering, pre-med, fine arts, are some of our top programs, but in every field there are so many great professors that will go out of their way to help their students. the curriculum is rigorous, but also very rewarding.

In three sentences

the university of florida is a large campus with an even larger amount of opportunities. you are more than prepared to acquire an internship or job that will give you an edge and boost your resume. extracurricular opportunities reveal themselves all the time; from belly dancing to beach volleyball to small satellite design club, there's a niche for everyone.

Cynthia from Gainesville, FL

02/14/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

pretty good. police station on campus, late-night cab service for students on campus. we have blue light stations where police can track your location if on the run or lost...be careful though, it's an open campus. stay alert, don't walk around after dark--you're only creating a difficult situation if you're not mindful of where you are.

Greek Life

i'm non-greek. if you have a couple grand to spend on doing the same thing 5,000 other are doing, follow the trend. i'm sure there are great connections within the organizations but i don't like feeling tied down for 4 years, i'd rather do my own thing.

Clubs and Activities

if you're interested in any field of advertising, communications, marketing, etc. join uf adsociety. kids just as motivated and willing to get the best internship/job/connection--they're all there! i've learned most of what i know now because of this club.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

nothing unusual once it's a tradition but in front of our large library (library west) every day there is a krishna lunch offered where you can enjoy the day on the lawn and socialize with fellow classmates who are just as hungry. expect a bombardement of people handing out coupons or fliers to the next event at turlington plaza. keep your headphones and sunglasses on, you'll slide right through ;)

What to do for fun

there's a large nightlife, student-run opportunities on campus (if you really try), and plenty of motivated students just like you, ready to take on the real world :)

Dorm Life

i never experienced it, but i think i would've enjoyed a semester just because i would've enjoyed some on-campus activities with freshmen and probably would have met a lot of people too.

Tips for prospective students

stay curious my friends. ask questions and find the answers yourself. it's not just knowledge that will get you by, it's applied knowledge. find internships and part-time jobs that will benefit you in the long-run.

In three sentences

i've learned more from alumni who come to speak before my adsociety club than i ever would in any textbook offered at uf. the communications college offers outdated research and educators who haven't worked in the field for close to 10-20 years. i'm thankful for online resources that cure the curious mind.

Jasmine from Miami, FL

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has not been to campus.

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Food and Dining

Academic Rigor

the university of florida is number one in florida and has benn ranked the top 20 in nation wide public schools for years. uf is one of the best of the best.

Tips for prospective students

it seems very hard to get into uf but academics arnt everything, there was a girl that had way better grade then me and higher test scores then me and she wasnt admitted. my point is you have to be a well rounded student so start making sure that as you gpa goes up so does your involvement in extracurricular activites and community service, things that show your not just book smart but tat your diverse and can be an assest academically and socially.

In three sentences

its great to know that i am soon apart of the gator nation. the university of florida attracted me with its grade a academics, vibrant and interactive students, and the diversity it has compared to the enviornment i live in now.

Ryan

nightlife is awesome, plenty of clubs and bars. there are a couple parks and the praire to go to during the day.

Food and Dining

there are so many places to choose from when going out to eat, a lot of different types of food.

Dorm Life

dorms are small, old, and inconvenient.

Academic Rigor

classes are tough, especially sciences with labs but there are some easy ones to take for an easy a.

Tips for prospective students

live off campus, dorms are a lot more expensive than an apartment or villas or even a house. get involved, sports are huge here so go to as many events as possible. all sports excluding football are free!

In three sentences

it's in a smaller town with everything to do crammed into a midtown and downtown area. lot's of bars and nightlife is huge here, the university is full of tradition and the architecture is all bricks with an older style. if you like college football, you'll fit right in.

Alexandra from Boynton Beach, FL

02/29/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

uf has taken many measures to make students feel safe. with snap, or student nighttime auxiliary patrol, students can catch a safe ride around campus during darkness hours. there are also blue light stations around campus, where students can press a button to alert emergency services and police of any dangers. while it is still hard to feel safe at all times, i am grateful for the extra safety measures available at uf.

Greek Life

greek life is huge at uf, and i would recommend it to any prospective students. many, including myself, doubted the genuineness of greek life before arriving in gainesville, but it is truly a great way to make the large population of students seem smaller and more close-knit.

Clubs and Activities

with almost 1,000 clubs, uf students rarely have trouble getting involved.

Great for these types of students

university of florida is great for students that can balance academics and a thriving social life.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

uf has tons of artistic statues or architecture around campus. the french fries is a large yellow sculpture resembling fries; many students keep up the tradition of visiting this statue. uf also distributes an f-book full of traditions for the new students to explore.

Bang for the buck

uf is extremely affordable for in-state students. the education one will receive here is worth far more than the small price to pay for residential florida students. out-of-state students also find uf to be well worth the money, although their fees are substantially higher.

What to do for fun

gainesville is full of activities geared toward a variety of interests. while it is a great school for partiers, gainesville also has natural attractions, such as the botanical gardens or quarries. one of my favorite places in gainesville is the santa fe planetarium, which offers astronomy shows and graphic design shows.

Food and Dining

the uf meal plan is overpriced for the quality of food at the dining halls. however, uf offers other options on campus that are affordable and delicious. in addition to the dining halls, there is starbucks, einstein's, moe's, chili's to go, kfc, burger king, salad creations, and other fast-dining locations available.

Dorm Life

dorm life at uf is amazing for first-year students. there are dorms conducive to socialization with other freshmen, as well as dorms that are geared more towards privacy and tranquility. the dorms are also well-spread out around campus, broadening the choices prospective students have. i would not recommend dorm life for anyone other than first-year uf students, however.

Academic Rigor

being such a competitive university, uf classes are not easy. some are much harder than others, but i think that all of this depends on the studying and subject preferences of the student.

Tips for prospective students

do not feel pressured to know your career before arriving at uf. the school is extremely accommodating to students who, like myself, are unsure of their majors and passions. there are constant opportunities to get involved, and these opportunities are hard to miss, even when just walking through campus!

In three sentences

uf cares about its students, faculty and campus. i cannot see myself anywhere else, because the help i have received at this university has given me true direction in my life. i arrived here clueless and confused, and since my arrival at uf, i feel that i know how to make the most of my future and education.

Shelby from Springfield, VT

03/01/2012

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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In three sentences

this school has a gorgeous campus!! this is my top school and i fell in love when i went to visit it. i highly recommend a visit, and if you didn't love it before, you will after you walk around the large beautiful campus!

youonlyliveonce02

there's been a lot of security incidents on campus but there's ways of contacting authorities on campus if you're in a situation. just make sure you're not alone at night.

Greek Life

this is huge on campus, everyone is representing greek letters. if you're interested and think its right for you definitely get involved. almost every activity or party on or around campus is hosted by them. they're always tabling at turlington so you can always get information about them too.

Clubs and Activities

there's way too many things to name on campus thats available to everyone whether it be religious, social, or educational based. definitely get involved in student elections if you're interested, they play a big role on campus.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

there's actually a whole book of traditions done at uf. camping out for beat tees the night before the football game, the great underwear dash is definitely something unique to campus, and the coolest location is the football stadium's own little hall of fame.

What to do for fun

there's bowling, laser tag, and go karting a few miles away. the mall is always interesting. there's a movie theater on the main road. the clubs are not too far from campus either.

Food and Dining

you can always get what you want when you want on campus. every restaurant is either a bus ride away, a few steps down the road, or delivers on campus. the downside, food in gainesville can get really expensive.

Dorm Life

i live in the oldest building on campus and it's not too shabby. the rooms are quite large but the bathrooms are probably the worst part. there's no ac in my room either but because of the weather in gainesville it's never really been a problem.

Academic Rigor

the classes challenge you in a different aspects, where it be quizzes, web assign, or exams. make sure you go to class because sometimes teachers don't put materials online and you're lucked out then.

Tips for prospective students

choose your classes and class times wisely. you may think a class is easy by the way it sounds or what you heard about it from previous students but teachers change and every semester the curriculum changes.

In three sentences

great atmosphere, there's always something to do on campus and the people are really friendly. everything is really close by and transportation is never a problem.

Frank from Gainesville, FL

03/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

for religious people, there is plenty of religious groups like cru to join, the reitz union holds movie nights on fridays, there are many fraternities or sororities to choose from, and each dorm hold activities occasionally.

Food and Dining

the food can get repetitive after a while, but trust me, you will always find something crazy off campus. as far as on-campus goes, you have 2 bk's, panda express, three convenience stores, several starbucks, 2 organic locations, 2 dining centers, a kfc, a chili's, a moes, a papa johns, and a chic-fil-a. lots of choices!

Dorm Life

some dorms are horrible, while others are wonderful. if possible, always choose the more expensive dorm, it is worth it. i stayed in hume hall, for honors students, it was a paradise.

Academic Rigor

it is a very hard school to attend. since it is so cost-effective, many intelligent students from the entire country choose to come here. no other school in florida comes close to rigor, and as far as southeast goes, few surpass uf.

Tips for prospective students

if you are doing pre-med or engineering, do not slack off! i did horrible my first semester because i thought it was going to be a cake walk. if you have enough time, take as many ap math and science classes as possible to help prepare you for the harder classes. good luck!

In three sentences

the university of florida is a wonderful university for students who want a top-notch education. it is one of the cheapest universities in the entire country, and is also the best university in florida. i would give uf a 5/5 in affordability, 4.5/5 in education, 5/5 in social activities, and 4/5 in campus/town location.

Mallory from Miami, FL

03/07/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Recently there have been some problems with attempted robberies and rapes on campus. But they have increased the security provided on campus during nighttime hours. There are also emergency phones located in various areas on campus. The university sends out text and email alerts if something occurs on campus or close to campus so that the students are aware of it.

Greek Life

Greek life is a big part of UF's campus. The Greek dominated political party is currently the majority of the student government. There are a lot of fraternities and sororities to chose from that offer different things and is a good way to meet people and get involved.

Clubs and Activities

There is a club for everything on uf's campus! If you are outgoing enough to attend club meetings and meet new people, then you will be able to find a club that interests you. Every college also has a student club that can help you build your resume, meet people with similar career goals, and volunteer in your field of interest.

Great for these types of students

UF is great for students who can find themselves and stand out in a large population. Students should be independent and not afraid to ask for help from professors that teach hundreds of students in one class section. Also ideal for students who want to escape cold climates.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Lake Alice is home to many alligators and at night you can find a bunch of red eyes popping out of the water. The bat house is a popular spot to spend sundown to watch the bats fly out of the house to hunt at night.

Bang for the buck

Tuition is reasonable for in-state students and many scholarships are available through each college. You get an Ivy League education in Florida by attending UF. Free tutoring is available with alot of other free resources for studs to to utilize to have fun or to study.

What to do for fun

The university is known for it's sports and attending football and basketball games are a student must. Midtown and downtown are the most popular nightlife areas featuring a variety of bars, restaurants, and dance clubs. Downtown clubs often have famous DJs guest play. There is also Lake Wauburg, a lake that belongs to the university in which students can paddleboat, kayak, lounge on the beach area, or picnic. They offer equipment for these activities for free with a student ID and each student can bring up to four guests. There are two movie theaters that offer different movies at each and often keep movies in theaters longer than most theaters so you have a longer time period to go see them. Ginnie springs is a popular area to go tubing with friends. And the Accent club often brings in celebrity speakers, free for students to attend.

Food and Dining

The food on campus does not offer the healthiest options. Pollo Tropical, Papa Johns, Burger King are among the choices found at the student union and other food spots on campus. There are healthier options such as Subway and Croutons, but these options are the minority. The dining halls offer a variety of different options for all courses and is buffet style so you can take some to go. Sit down restaurants and other food options are in very close proximity to campus.

Dorm Life

The university has continually made an effort to update dorms. The newly updated dorms include special services such as massages at the health themed dorm. The older dorms that have not been updated are still quite old. Most dorms have community bathrooms except a select few dorms that are either apartment style or reserved for honors students or athletes.

Academic Rigor

It is rumored that the coursework is of the hardest difficulty of all universities in Florida. As a UF student I can attest to the challenging exams, labs, and amount of coursework required by professors. The coursework is extremely challenging but there are free tutoring services, teaching assistants, professor office hours, and commercial tutoring services that can help you achieve your desired grade. The professors do expect you to put in a lot of time outside of class to learn the material to pass exams.

Tips for prospective students

When applying, make sure to include all extracurricular activities and volunteer opportunities. They want to accept well-rounded students. If you have already been accepted, make sure to get involved in a club as soon as possible. Getting involved early will help you to make friends with people who share common interests and career goals, make connections with faculty and potential employers, and spend time participating in activities outside of schoolwork.

In three sentences

With over 50,000 students enrolled annually, The University of Florida is a diverse college in consideration of it's students, faculty, and areas of study. With 16 colleges, any student can find something that they want to pursue as a career. It is a great school for students seeking the large university setting.

Ashley from Melbourne, FL

03/08/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

there are always officers patrolling all over campus and there are several security systems in place should anyone ever have need of them. emergency buttons all over campus ensure that police can reach you in under 5 minutes, wherever you are. text messages and emails alert us to any potential threats on campus or in the area. free self-defense classes are available to interested students through the university and the police department.

Greek Life

greek life is huge at university of florida and very beneficial for many students who participate. it is not so exclusive that people who are not greek cannot enjoy many events and activities as well. certainly, however, there are many alternatives to greek life, with such a huge student body. it is not for everyone, and that is fine.

Clubs and Activities

there are so many clubs that even the most involved people have doubtless not heard of several of them. there is something for everyone.

Great for these types of students

self-motivated students and people who are looking for a big school that can offer many options (by way of curriculum as well as social life).

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

there are so many fun traditions, but you'll learn about them at preview! so fun!

Bang for the buck

rent is unbeatable, compared to most schools this size, especially the ones in larger cities. food is pretty cheap. there are great farmers' markets and sweetbay is pretty cheap if publix doesn't have what you want on sale. if you want to go out, get on a promoter's list and you'll get in free somewhere any night of the week. (they're easy to find, check out facebook, they'll be looking for you.) if you are 21, stick to 21 and up bars (balls, sharab, salty dog). for clothes, check out plato's closet on archer rd. and if you want amazing and cheap coffee (and a wonderful study spot), check out pascal's coffeehouse across from library west (off campus).

What to do for fun

the university sponsors many events, especially at the student union that are fun, but around gainesville there are plenty of things to do. lake wauburg offers all kinds of outdoor activities (swimming, sailing, wakeboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, etc.), there are any number of bars and clubs at midtown and downtown for the older crowd, and if you live in a dorm, the students who work for the housing department are always putting on fun events (parties, movie nights, mud fights, underwear runs, barbecues). if all else fails, the weather in gainesville is pretty fantastic, so people can always hang out outside and just relax or do whatever they enjoy.

Food and Dining

uf has just about everything you could ask for.

Dorm Life

very social! fantastic way to meet people. i still have close friends and very useful contacts that i met when we lived in the same dorm my freshman year. if you don't like it after a year, move off campus, but everyone should try it their freshman year.

Academic Rigor

tough but not impossible if you are smart about planning your schedule for each semester. take a few easy and a few hard each semester. plan ahead!

Tips for prospective students

i would suggest that all incoming students take it easy on the course load the first semester. advisers at both the high school and university level will encourage students to take the hardest course load that they are eligible for, but what i have learned from personal experience and from that of my peers, that first year will have a huge effect on your gpa and for most of the people in my year and the graduating classes closest to mine, it was a very negative effect. we were overachievers in high school and thought we could handle the tougher classes in college, but it turns out that just because you have the credit hours to take classes with juniors and seniors your first year of college, that does not mean that you should or that you will be as successful as them.

In three sentences

the students at the university of florida are, in general, very competitive about everything from grades, to athletics, to social life. although the atmosphere encourages most people to be academically successful, physically fit, and very social, there is a place for everyone in a student body so large (about 50,000 undergraduates). it is a place where anyone can be very successful if they are willing to put forth the effort to distinguish themselves from the rest of the student body by going above and beyond in any way and by forming relationships with professors and other students who share similar goals.

Amanda from Treasure Island, FL

03/09/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

the campus has there own police department and are really good at notifying the students of any danger. there are plenty of emergency call boxes around campus. you honestly can't look around and not see one of the blue towers.

Greek Life

there is a strong presence for people interested in the greek life. however if your not, they do not overwhelm the school so if its not your thing you won't feel pressured to be in one.

What to do for fun

uf is very close to mid-town (where you party on the week days) and downtown (where you go on the weekends). there are school related clubs to take up your time and provide meaningful experiences. and there is always eating at the amazing places in gainesville.

Food and Dining

there is a ton of places to eat on campus and the gainesville area is saturated with amazing food.

Dorm Life

dorms are a great way to be involved and in the middle of the action at uf. roommates provide an important support system that is needed and usually become life long friendships.

Academic Rigor

trying hard in class is really important and the amount of commitment that uf requires matches what the real world demands of you. isn't this what college is for? to prepare us for real life?

Tips for prospective students

definitely be prepared to study and work to achieve your goals but that is expected any where. you make great friends when you start to narrow your ideas on your major and become really close to people.

In three sentences

the university of florida provides an awesome atmosphere to find yourself and grow in a college setting. because it is a larger university there are an unbelievable amount of options for any student. i really love it here and am so glad i decided to come here.

Courtney from Panama City, FL

03/13/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

there are a high number of police officers on campus. there is a free taxi system for students traveling across campus at night. regardless, numerous alerts are sent because of dangerous activity on campus.

Greek Life

greek life is very active on campus. it is very time consuming, although there are some fraternities/sororities that are not quite as demanding.

Clubs and Activities

everyone can find a club to suit their preferences.

Great for these types of students

this is an excellent school for type a students who are ambitious, outspoken, determined, and highly motivated. quieter, more timid students who do not know what they want are at higher risk for falling through the cracks because of the high competition. also, advisers and professors have less time for individuals because the student population is so high.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

it is tradition to kiss the bull gator statue and eat a krishna lunch.

Bang for the buck

the school gives out very few scholarships and the competition is high. seriously consider other schools if they offer scholarships because the academics here are probably not so stellar as to make up for paying so much more.

What to do for fun

there are so many choices! there is definitely a niche for everyone because there is so much variety.

Food and Dining

the food is good with many options available. whether you like it ultimately depends on personal tastes. the meal plan is probably a good choice for freshmen because then you don't need to worry about food while adjusting to college.

Dorm Life

the facilities and buildings are nice enough, but not stellar. dorm life varies greatly from residence hall to residence hall and depends on the type of people on your floor.

Academic Rigor

many classes require effort in order to achieve success. not all professors are good, and some are actually bad. talking to older students can help you find the good ones.

Tips for prospective students

it is vital to be involved in some extracurricular activity in order to meet people and get experience. it is easy to be distracted by everything that is available in town, but stay focused on academics or you risk falling behind. do not be afraid to ask questions, speak up for yourself, and be persistent; advisers are there to help you, no matter what other responsibilities they have.

In three sentences

there are a vast number of excellent opportunities available, but it can at times be overwhelming. students can definitely learn a lot from many professors and extracurricular activities. because the school is so large, it can be difficult to get individual help and support.

Janet from Lutz, FL

Make sure you stay on top of your work. I can't express how easily it is to fall behind.

In three sentences

I love the environment here: how everyone is so focused and motivated but also makes time to have fun. I did however, underestimate the workload and the material. However overall my first year has been great and I'm sure anybody will love it here.

Nerissa from GAINESVILLE, FL

For fun I hang out with members of my different organizations. We have movie nights, game nights in the on campus bowling alley, dinner dates and nights out on the town.

Food and Dining

The food and dining selection is outstanding and allows for students of all backgrounds and preferences to be satisfied.

Dorm Life

Whether or not you enjoy living in a dorm is really a personal preference. I found that a lot of students were better off living in a dorm for their first and second year until they became acquainted with the school. It also helped them adjust to being away from home and served as an easy way to make friends.

Academic Rigor

It is an extremely competitive school but if you have a passion for what you are doing and enjoy learning about the subjects and courses you have signed up for them it will become easier and easier for you.

Tips for prospective students

Have an open mind and make a small check list of things you may want to try. Go to our school website, go through the list of student organizations and write down all of the organizations that interest you. That way when you come to campus you can attend the first meeting of the semester and find out if this is a club that you would like to be apart of. Also do research on learning tool opportunities for your class. There are plenty of tutors, learning centers, and review sessions.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is an extremely diverse campus. It allows you to get involved in anything that you are interested in. The variety of student organizations helps you figure out what you specifically find interesting which ultimately may help in selecting your major and life career.

Tori from Lake Worth, FL

The campus is well lit at night, but I personally still try to avoid walking around at night by myself for extra safety precautions. I also carry pepper spray on my key chain.

Clubs and Activities

There is no way to count how many clubs and activities are available to the students. Not only are they great oportunities but they're great for resumes!

What to do for fun

There is alot going on, on campus and close by. I personally love the mall and the movies. My personal favorite on campus is in the Reitz Union where there is an arcade that includes bowling and billards for great deals! Downtown Gainesville is the party scene and with a group of friends, you'll have a great night out on the town.

Food and Dining

Because Im a Freshman and this is my first time living away from home, I chose a dining plan and it has been amazing! The dinning halls are buffet style; always with different options to choose from. The foods tasty and healthy. My dining plan also includes flex bucks which I can use at any food locations around campus, such as Pollo Tropical or Panda Express. Its very convient.

Dorm Life

I chose to live off campus for more personal space. I love it and I found a great deal with a 4/4. I have a great choice of bus transportation and if I choose to, I can still drive to school which only takes about 10 minutes.

Academic Rigor

As I stated before, classes at University of Florida are very competitive, especially in the GenEd classes that are refered to as weed out classes because they're are so many students trying to take them. Staying on top of all your deadlines and making sure you understand the material after every lecture will greatly aid you in succeeding. Procrastination is your worst enemy, especially when studying for exams.

Tips for prospective students

A lot of things are technology based, including speaking with your professors and even classes (online), so checking emails and getting comfortable with being on the computer a lot is a must. Also, deadlines are crucial and so is time management. Professors and advisors are willing to help but the majority of the responsibility falls on your own shoulders.

In three sentences

University of Florida is a great school. Everyone is very friendly and the campus has a great environment. The main thing to keep in mind is that the school is very competitive and your expected to take care of many things on your own, like for example registration for classes and financial aid.

Meghan from the Keys

This is a busy campus but the police do a great job of protecting the students. Walkers need to watch out for the bikers and scooters need to be cautious of automobiles.

Clubs and Activities

There seems to be a club for every interest/every major. Joining a club is a great way to make friends.

What to do for fun

There is something for everyone in Gainesville. Athletic events are very popular. The downtown clubs rock at night. Museums and music are fun events.

Food and Dining

On campus food is just not for me. I prefer to cook my own meals. There are plenty of choices within walking distance of the campus if you are not interested in what is available on campus.

Dorm Life

The apartment style dorms are quite nice. It is especially convenient to have your own kitchen. The RA's plan fun activities and keep the residents informed. Staying in a dorm your first year is a great way to make friends.

Academic Rigor

This is a very competitive university.

Tips for prospective students

Attend summer school your freshmen year. The campus is less populated which will enable you to accumulate yourself to college life.

In three sentences

University of Florida is a very competitive university. The professors are eager to work with students and encourage students to expand their education. The campus is large and well maintained.

Taylor

There are many services enacted to keep students safe. You feel very safe walking around campus.

Greek Life

Huge Greek community one of the largest nationally.

Clubs and Activities

Any kind of club imaginable and if they don't have one you are looking for you can start one.

Great for these types of students

Any type of student there are options for everyone.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Many traditions.

Bang for the buck

For the education and (in state) tuition you can't beat it.

What to do for fun

Athletic events, social activities, shows, plays, movies many options

Food and Dining

Many options for food all around campus. The dining hall food is actually pretty good they have many options.

Dorm Life

Some of the dorms are refurbished and new however some are still old it is an old school in general but that's what makes it unique. Dorm life over all is enjoyable.

Academic Rigor

Classes are difficult it takes self discipline and and a lot of hard work.

Tips for prospective students

Do not procrastinate, stay on top of everything. Campus is big but it is easy to make small by getting involved.

In three sentences

The atmosphere is great, school it a lot of work but fun at the same time. The athletic events are great there is always something going on. The classes are top notch I feel like I am getting a great education.

Courtney from Winter Park, FL

03/29/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

We have continuously been ranked as one of the safest Public Schools in the nation. We have three police forces patrolling campus and the surrounding areas at all times (The UF Police Department, Gainesville Police Department, and the Alachua County Sheriff's Department) so you will always feel safe here.

Greek Life

Greek Life is huge at UF - Greek students are involved in every single aspect of campus life and love representing their chapters all over the state, nation, and even internationally. There are four different Greek Councils here, each with numerous fraternities and sororities, everyone can find their place within Greek Life here.

Clubs and Activities

91% of our student body is involved with intramural sports at one time or another and with over 950 student organizations on campus, there is truly something for everyone. One organization, IDEAL, will even help place you in a club or activity based on your personal interests or help you start a new club or organization.

Great for these types of students

You'll love The University of Florida if you are: organized, enthusiastic, involved, spirited, passionate, and eager to learn in new ways!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We have so many unique traditions here on campus, including a program for those enthusiastic students dubbed Traditions Keepers who make it a goal to complete all of them. Some of the most memorable include The Undie Run (a 5k in your underwear) and adventures at Lake Wauburg - an beach and picnic area off campus.

Bang for the buck

For the amazing education we receive here, the cost is extremely affordable. Bright Futures is available for in-state students and the price tag will make any parents smile.

What to do for fun

Gainesville offers a wonderful college town for students living both on and off campus, midtown and downtown are directly off campus and the Oaks Mall is another great place to eat or go shopping!

Food and Dining

There are so many options of places to eat on and all around campus. With two central dining halls and over 40 other eateries, you could never be hungry here!

Dorm Life

Dorms are the best way to meet new people and make great friends, especially during your freshman year.

Academic Rigor

Difficult but manageable for hard-working students.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved in anything you're passionate about on campus - with over 950 student organizations - there is definitely something for everyone! We even have a club to help you find other clubs!

In three sentences

UF is truly a home away from home. It is the best of all worlds - ivy league education, great college town, and amazing opportunities for students. I will be so proud to boast a University of Florida education when I graduate.

Rebecca from Miami, FL

03/29/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

We have our own police force, the University of Florida Police Department. They work very closely with the Gainesville Police Department to keep our campus safe. They also send out text messages whenever something, like a robbery, happens so that you can be more careful of your surroundings.

Greek Life

I am not personally involved in the Greek Life but a lot of people are in fraternities and sororities here. They seem very bonded in sister/brotherhood and if that is something that you are interested in, you definitely can.

Clubs and Activities

There are more clubs that you can possibly imagine at the University of Florida. Whatever it is that you are interested in, from Scuba Diving to Belly Dancing, there is a club that applies to you.

Great for these types of students

Anyone who has a good work ethic and is willing to dedicate a lot of time to their studies, but still looks for a good time on the weekend, is a perfect candidate for the University of Florida.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The usual hangout places that allow you to really get involved are Turlington Plaza and the Reitz Union Colonnade. There are always people there promoting clubs or their philosophies and it really allows you to keep an open mind.

Bang for the buck

Students here get a great education here that is actually recognized by many graduate schools! All for the price of a public state college.

What to do for fun

There are plenty of things to do around Gainesville for fun. There is Lake Wauburg where, as a student, you can rent out kayaks and various other equipment for water sports. There is a great gym with many free classes you can attend. There is also a good nightlife and a huge variety of different restaurants for you to choose from all in a 20 minute radius.

Food and Dining

I, myself, do not have a meal plan but everyone that has one tells me how little variety there is in the day-to-day food choices.

Dorm Life

There is a lot of over-crowding in the dorms and I recommend to live off-campus in an apartment instead. It is more economical and you also have the luxury of your own kitchen and bathroom.

Academic Rigor

Especially challenging courses in the areas of a pre-health major, such as pre-med, pre-vet, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, etc.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to pick a major which you really have an interest in because you will have to dedicate a lot of your time to studying in the area that you choose. The libraries here are a great place to get a lot of studying done. I also recommend getting involved in clubs and different extracurricular activities because, not only do they look good for grad school, but it is a great way to make new friends.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a great, affordable, public institution that provides students to achieve greatness in various areas of interest. The student body is made up of hard-working, competitive individuals who strive for academic excellence, but still know how to have fun. The teachers and the education that you will receive at the University of Florida are better than at a lot of other public schools.

Jonathan from Newberry, FL

03/30/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Food and Dining

There are a lot places to eat on campus including Pollo Tropical, Papa, Johns, and Chili's Too. The Reitz Union is your best bet for the most food varieties however, you won't find a better pizza and beer place than Gumby's Pizza right off 34th St.

Academic Rigor

As with any university, it really depends on the types of courses you take. Once you get into your upper level courses, classes can be really tough, but professors for the most part are pretty helpful as long as you show initiative and a desire to learn.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a beautiful campus. At times you can feel a bit overwhelmed because of the size of the school. However, it's really easy to make friends here and find people you enjoy hanging out with.

Kayla from Pinetta, FL

03/30/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

During the fall, football games on Saturdays are a must. The atmosphere in Gainesville on gamedays makes it so fun to be a gator! Students get in free to all sporting events except football, so there is usually a decent crowd at any of those events. Many, many students here like to go out on the weekends..or during the week.. to midtown or downtown. There is a skating rink and bowling alley nearby, but honestly I'm not sure how much UF students really use those.

Food and Dining

Most people wind up going to the student union for lunch. There is a decent selection on campus, and nearby. I have never gone to a dining hall, so I cannot speak to those.

Dorm Life

I have never lived in a dorm

Academic Rigor

I was completely blown away when I got here from a community college. I have never had to study so much, but I feel like this is great in the long run because UF is known for being more difficult, and employers will notice that.

Tips for prospective students

Come check out the campus- it is beautiful! Gainesville is very much a college town- nothing too busy or big, but it certainly is more than a map-dot. Look into the undergraduate programs you're interested in. A lot of ours are ranked high on national scales. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved and meet people, as well as develop leadership skills.

In three sentences

University of Florida is an amazing college to attend and such an honor to get accepted to. The atmosphere in Gainesville is awesome because everyone loves the gators, and there are a lot of opportunities to get involved on campus. The academic load is no joke, but there is no doubt it will pay off in the long run.

AUSTIN from Royal Palm Beach, FL

04/02/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Greek Life

Greek life is a major aspect at UF. Many times, after you ask the person their name you ask if they are in a fraternity or sorority. While it is not necessary to join greek life to have a great time at this campus, it will greatly assist in developing life-long relationships with people as well as peer advice from students who have been in the same situation you have.

What to do for fun

There are a few pools on campus as well as basketball and volleyball courts, soccer fields, a massive gym and even a skate park. During the night you can choose to either go to Midtown (an area with social hangouts) or Downtown (clubs, etc.) if you wish to meet new people in a social setting. There are also a multitude of campus sponsored events so there is pretty much always something to do.

Food and Dining

There are 2 major dining halls at UF which provide a buffet style layout and require either a meal plan or some type of funds to access. The quality of food varies day-to-day but there are staples that one can rely on if the meal at the time isn't really up to par. There are also a variety of other eating locations that include popular fast food places and allow some type of choice for meals.

Dorm Life

While the dorms at UF vary in room style and layout, they provide a good opportunity to meet your fellow peers and branch out. Dorms are usually located pretty close to major academic buildings and within a few minutes walking distance to any resource that you may need.

Academic Rigor

Depending on your major, classes can range from extremely difficult to semi-difficult your first few years. However, once you get into the main tracking courses for any major, you will really need to spend time in the library if you wish to perform well and maintain a high GPA.

Tips for prospective students

Maintain a solid GPA and list of extracurricular activities as this will extremely help your chances of getting in. Make sure you come in with the mindset that you need to work hard to play hard and you should do well. Become involved on campus as there are many opportunities to meet new people and experience new things.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is set in a beautiful location where students are given the opportunity to learn and strive in an educational setting. Campus life is pretty laid back but there are a variety of times when things can get pretty hectic (football games, exams, etc.). The coursework can be rigorous but if you get accepted it is expected that you can deal with this.

Jonathan from Gainesville, FL

Excellent! Our cops won't hesitate to shoot anyone they suspect of doing harm including firing with rifles and tasers at our own students!

Greek Life

I hate them.

Clubs and Activities

I joined multiple social and academic organizations. Check them out!

Great for these types of students

All kinds. It's a land grant institution with lots of research opportunities. It also has a great law school and medical school. Liberal arts are also highly recognized. Take your pick.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Uhhmm I dunno.

Bang for the buck

One of the cheapest educations you can get for a Top 100 University on Earth. Highly recommended

What to do for fun

Drink...go to Stubbies & Steins. The Top again for booze. Gator City, Taul Paul's and Swamphead Brewery. Go to sporting events. It's the Gators we are great at everything. Lot's of water activities at the springs and beaches are close...Daytona, St. Augustine, Tampa & St. Petersburg.

Food and Dining

Great Food on and off campus. The best places off campus...The Top, Embers, The Swamp, Dragon Fly, Mark's Prime, Garlic & Ginger, Satchel's. The list goes on and on.

Dorm Life

I can't really say. I have never lived in a dorm.

Academic Rigor

Courses at the University of Florida are challenging but not impossible. The school is consistently ranked with some of the best institutions in the world so you might want to check there. I am sure U.S. News can provide better rankings than me.

Tips for prospective students

Just enjoy your time there and make sure you find housing with a great bus route. The 20 and 21 routes are always consistent and there is plenty of housing on the SW side of town near the mall. Although many types of housing in this location are more for undergraduates. Grad students may find apartment living here a bit noisy if they are trying to study but this part of town is always having pool parties.

In three sentences

Excellent school with a wonderful campus life. I can't comment on every program but the Food & Resource Economics Department in the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences has wonderful programs. I thoroughly enjoy being a student at the University of Florida!

Erin A.

If you're interested in getting involved in the greek system, UF is perfect, because there are a TON. There's a huge variety of sororities/fraternities and they're very active on campus.

Great for these types of students

If you're looking for a big state school with a good party scene, a walkable campus, and a load of majors to choose from, UF's a good choice.

What to do for fun

Gainesville's a tiny little college town. If you're looking for a great club/bar scene, you'll be disappointed, but we do have a few. Lots of places to eat. If you're outdoorsy, there are some really cool nature preserves and parks nearby.

Food and Dining

I didn't really like the dining halls, and switched off the meal plan after one semester. But there are a lot of fast food places on campus and a little convenience store. You won't starve.

Dorm Life

My personal dorm experiences have been great, but I live on a really social floor. Whether you have a good experience just depends on where you end up/who you meet.

Claire from Boynton Beach, FL

Wonderful!! Have thoroughly enjoyed being part of Greek life and highly recommend it. I have met so many girls and guys that are very nice.

What to do for fun

Paynes Prairie State Park, great shopping at Oaks Mall, rafting or tubing and several local areas. Jogging, tennis, or workout at UF, they have two facilities.

Food and Dining

In the summer, I had a food plan, and the food is good. I joined a sorority so this past year, have been eating there so cannot give a better answer.

Dorm Life

The dorms are o.k.. I have been very lucky to have two great roommates, but at the same time, I hear not so great experiences as well. The dorms at UF are quite antiquated and could use some updates like in the bathrooms. Always things going on as well to meet other students.

Academic Rigor

The classes are very difficult. I took AP and Advanced classes in high school and the classes are not like in high school. I am studying all the time. It is fun and it is good to be challenged. You really learn to manage your time and different ways to study.

Tips for prospective students

Walk the campus, take the tour. Speak to students on campus about their campus experience. Score high on the SAT and ACT.

In three sentences

A dynamic school with endless opportunites for higher education. A school that always has something going on and an opportunity to meet other students with similar ideas. A city that has great places to eat, places to explore and very friendly residents.

Kong from Gainesville, FL

04/17/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There is a lot of work that goes into making sure UF students are safe, including late night buses and transportation to ensure people get home safely after a certain time. There are police scattered throughout campus readily on call and on duty. Emergency notifications are sent to all students whenever there is something going on in campus, so you will always know what's happening. Even so, knowing when to be out, locking your doors, and making sure to stay safe is strongly suggested in order to make sure that you are doing your best at keeping yourself safe at all times.

Greek Life

Fraternities and sororities are not essential to the college experience, but certainly you will be living up the true social life by joining one. Find a fraternity or sorority that really fits you and you'll find friends that will probably last a lifetime. The greek life is truly what makes the college social experience so much different from high school, so it is recommended that you at least try it out!

Clubs and Activities

Clubs and activities are a central part of UF. There are clubs for different religions and races, alongs with shows, performances, and events planned for each of these clubs. There is a club fair at some point during a preview session that you go to before coming to UF in which all these clubs, some of which are open to all, but others targeting a more specific group, are able to present their mission statement and share more about what they do so you can see if you're interested in which club.

Great for these types of students

If you're the type of student who loves to be social and interactive, willing to try new things, creative and open to experience, then you'll have a blast at UF. IF you're the type of student who loves to be isolated, loving to enjoy a quiet read in the library, and play music by yourself, you'll also find a place here. UF is made for everyone, and there is no discrimination on what type of personality you have. You just have to find the right spot and people who share similar values and goals as yourself and no matter what, you'll still live the college experience.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are some really unusual traditions and locations on campus, but some of my favorite are the dance marathon and the underwear run. For the dance marathon, you literally dance for 26.2 hours straight, and it is a super fun (but tiring) experience. The underwear run is even more unusual, but the title says it all; one night, a whole bunch of college students go and run around campus in their underwear.

Bang for the buck

Certainly, college is one of the more expensive experiences that you'll come across in life. However, UF is definitely worth it. The teachers and experience that you get from this campus is a value worth much more than money. If you happen to live outside campus, there is a great system called the RTS, which is a bus service that can take you almost anywhere around Gainesville and back to anywhere on campus. It's free for UF students and is a great resource. The only complaints are that living on campus is relatively expensive, as is the meal plan, and with any college, the books can feel a bit too pricey as well, which is why it is better to order some stuff online or buy used from others.

What to do for fun

There's so much to do at UF because there's always events going on. Whether you enjoy playing pool or bowling in the game room at the Reitz, enjoying a nice book to yourself in a study lounge at Library West, or playing ball with a group of friends at the gym, there should not be a time when you say that you are bored, while you are on campus and not in class.

Food and Dining

You can get meal plans at UF or you can just go around to the various restaurants scattered around campus. There's even a vegan restaurant known as Krishnas that provides very healthy, cheap lunches in the plaza at UF. If you're looking for quality food, there's not a whole lot of options on campus, but for variety and convenience, UF has it all.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is a fun, social experience, where you get to bond with people whom you may have never hung out with before. You really grow close with the community and the people there and hopefully your roommate as well! It's very easy to get around campus while living in the dorm, so it's really a great experience for first-year students.

Academic Rigor

This will vary depending on major, but most likely you will stumble across some fairly difficult classes. Chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus are usually doable, but some people still have problems. But when it comes to classes such as financial accounting, organic chemistry, and the like, that's when people really freak out. When it comes to that, make sure you know how to manage your time and understand your priorities. That party may sound great, but really, you need to think about your future and what your real goal is as a college student.

Tips for prospective students

If you know some upperclassmen, utilize them for help and resources. Their knowledge of the campus and experience will go far in helping you have the smoothest transition from high school to college.

In three sentences

UF is a social hub of some of the brightest and funnest people in Florida. There are always new people to meet, of different races and religions, and places to go all around campus. The professors are approachable and really know what they're doing.

Alexandra from Saint Johns, FL

The University of Florida sits on the boundaries of exciting nightlife venues. The campus may sleep, but just across the street there are always new friends waiting to be made.

Food and Dining

Food is easily accessible everywhere on campus! Dining is not always the easiest when on a budget, but late night options are available. Almost everything is deliciously tempting!

Dorm Life

Your experience with dorm life is completely determined based on your personality, and the roommate(s) you are paired with. Residing alone, suffering with an awful individual, or living with a best friend can make or break your dorm experience.

Academic Rigor

The necessity of studying is unlike anything a high school student has ever experienced. The workload of most courses is manageable, but it's the exams that can bring a student to his or her demise. The biggest struggle, which can also be the best key to success, is keeping up with class attendance.

Tips for prospective students

Do not hesitate to get involved with some sort of group! Find a way to make the campus smaller by finding a more intimate community to bond with. Do not get overwhelmed, because you applied and got accepted just like everyone around you.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a diverse community that prides itself on academic success, social expeditions, and launching students to lead the professional world. The campus population is large, and that will be overwhelmingly obvious to any student who does not swiftly make efforts to get involved and find his or her niche. There is no better place to prepare students for their bright futures.

The University of Florida's academic curriculum is on the rigorous side but do-able. Hard work and commitment is essential for success.

Tips for prospective students

Your GPA is more important than you think. While it may not determine everything, it clearly stands out if you are above or below average. Make sure your personal statement is written to your best extent. Community Service is also a must.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a fantastic education institution. It promotes learning and research at the undergraduate and graduate level. The environmental and social aspect of this university is ideal for anyone.

Trevor from New Port Richey, FL

We are constantly working to improve campus safety through student awareness and new student run programs.

Greek Life

The Greek life has a rich tradition with notable alumni like governors, pro football players, pro football coaches, etc. The houses are old style mansions and the Greek life is still thriving.

Clubs and Activities

There are over 1000 student organizations, if we don't have the one you are looking for it is extremely easy to create one yourself.

Great for these types of students

Motivated, hard working, dedicated and ready to improve/move on to the next big thing as technology grows.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are so many traditions due to how old the campus is. There is actually a full book that each incoming student gets that is a traditions book.

Bang for the buck

Best intellectual information for the least amount of money in the United States.

What to do for fun

I work out, run, play sports and hang out at the Reitz Union for fun.

Food and Dining

Great food services on campus and plenty to eat one block off of campus. Extremely convenient to walk anywhere in Gainesville.

Dorm Life

Some old historic dorms are neat and they are constantly renovating them to improve living conditions.

Academic Rigor

Very difficult in the hard sciences, but is one of the top rated in the nation. Work hard and it pays off.

Tips for prospective students

Work hard and don't slack off. Get involved on campus and make connections with alumni.

In three sentences

The college is an innovative, fast paced learning environment with boundless opportunities. The University of Florida is one of the leading entrepreneurial schools in the South East and continues to rapidly expand. There are no limits to what you can do at the University of Florida.

Alyssa from Brandon, FL

04/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

We have an alert system via text message and email that the UPD uses to let us know if anything goes on. And since the university has its own police department stationed on campus, the response time is ridiculously fast.

Greek Life

I'm not really in that particular scene, but the greeks have a heavy presence on campus. They basically run our student government. Take that how you will.

Clubs and Activities

SO. MANY. I can't even tell you. https://www.studentinvolvement.ufl.edu/StudentOrganizations there. that's all i have to say

Great for these types of students

Every type. haha, I'm seriously not kidding when I say that there is something here for everyone.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Rubbing the left foot of this statue on the Plaza of the Americas. Yea, I don't get it either.

Bang for the buck

Don't buy a meal plan. Decline balance is the way to go. Other than that, if you are a florida resident, the deal is pretty awesome for the tuition we're paying. I don't know though how that's going to change with the new hike bill that was just passed but we'll see.

What to do for fun

Gainesville consists of UF and businesses aimed at college students, lol. So for good, clean fun there is gator nights which is every Friday at the reitz union (student center); free movies, popcorn, arts and crafts, and midnight breakfast. For a more college level fun there are clubs midtown (which is within walking distance) and downtown. Restuarants are usually open until 2 in the morning. There is quite literally a concert a month going on. There is never a dull week. :)

Food and Dining

They serve good food on preview days andn game days, don't let that fool you into thinking there food is that amazing all the time. Don't get me wrong, its not bad, but after about a semester or two, it just becomes the same old same old.

Dorm Life

It really depends on where you're living. East campus is rowdier than West campus dorms. And apartment-style dorms are a little less active. If your looking for interaction with your floor, I say any east campus place or the graham area of west campus. There really is something for everyone as far as dorm life is concerned.

Academic Rigor

UF is a top notch school, so of course the classes are going to be rigorous, but that doesn't mean we don't have fun! My tip would be to take classes that interest you and the work won't seem so bad. Yes, there are general education requirements, but choose something that seems interesting to fill them. If you want to know more about a class just find that professor and ask.

Tips for prospective students

-Stay on top of your studies: with so much going on its to get distracted. -Get involved as soon as possible: Not only does it look good on your resume to be long-termed involved in something, but these organizations and clubs are where you make the best friends so get started early! - APPLY TO HONORS COLLEGE. I don't care just do it, you'll be glad you did. You get early registration dates (that you will learn to TREASURE), and there are certain classes that are just for honors students; for example, a Harry Potter class this semester! Apply now instead of bilaterally(after admission) because then its REALLY HARD to get in.

In three sentences

(1)The University is a very diverse school culturally. (2)The Academics are top notch with great and understanding (mostly) professors. (3)Its also has A LOT of student organizations with something for everyone.

Trent from Boca Raton, FL

High marks with the different programs on campus and an involved police force on campus

Greek Life

Greek life flourishes for those so inclined to organize

Clubs and Activities

From A-Z, cannot list them all

Great for these types of students

Smart students benefit by getting an education that challenges them. Employers recognize this training when it comes time to recruit

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Gator growl weekend homecoming festivities are a big event

Bang for the buck

Great bang for the buck in that you get a nationally ranked, top notch education at Public college rates

What to do for fun

From clubs to intramural sports to attending games and so forth make everything fun

Food and Dining

They work hard to address the tastes of all and have specials for game days, and fun theme dining for holidays

Dorm Life

Great

Academic Rigor

Study hard as it is difficult to get in with UF being the top ranked University in FL

Tips for prospective students

Take AP courses,and focus on community service participation

In three sentences

UF is an excellent school in terms of quality of education being received. UF is a top 75 ranked University taking into account all factors including classes offered, professiors, campus life, costs, etc. Gainesville is a very hardworking, liveable town and supports the students and University to the maximum.

Anonymous

05/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus safety is excellent. The school itself has a police department that circulates campus 24/7. There are many emergency poles located pretty much everywhere on campus. These emergency poles are poles with a emergency button that a student can press to contact deputy when in contact with danger. UF also has a safety night time auxiliary patrol, which is a service that will pick students up at night at the student's request.

What to do for fun

There are always activities going on somewhere on campus. Many clubs have talent shows and performances. I usually attend Gator nights every friday. Gator nights are a great way to meet people and go out and have fun. Gator nights are held every Fridays and consist of movies, popcorn, arts and crafts, and so many other forms of entertainment.

Food and Dining

Food and Dining is great. There are two main dining halls and great varieties of restaurants on campus. There are also many restaurants off campus if on campus food ever gets mundane or tiring.

Dorm Life

I would recommend all students to experience the dorm life for at least two semester terms. Students are not required to live on campus, but its a great experience. The dorms at UF aren't so bad at all. They're made at a great comfort level to make students feel at home. There are always activities planned for students living in dorms Ex: We always have pancake and ice cream nights. Living in dorms also helps in building social and communication skills considering the fact that you meet a lot of people living in dorms.

Academic Rigor

The courses are definitely not a breeze. Courses at University of Florida are challenging and the professors are great. Though the courses are a challenge there are many resources that can assist students with the help they may need.

Tips for prospective students

Prospective students should make schedules for themselves and use their time wisely. Procrastination is a college student worst enemy. Join many clubs and activities. This is a very important aspect at the University of Florida. Being at a big school can be overwhelming so its great to be involved and get to know people. Also, use the resources on campus. University of Florida has many resources like free tutoring for various subjects and a counseling and wellness center.

In three sentences

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest I rate University of Florida a 10. This is a awesome school and I love it's diversity. The professors are great and helpful. There are tons of clubs and activities on campus. Everyone has great school spirit, It's great to be a Florida gator.

Jason from Lauderdale Lakes, FL

From day one many students find themselves attracted to Greek life. There is a Greek group for just about anyone.

Clubs and Activities

As said previously if you have an interest you will find in in a club. I

Great for these types of students

1. Hardworking 2. Noble

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One unusual tradition is the Humans vs, Zombies game. This game is held once every semester & is based on apocalyptic survival.

Bang for the buck

With the list of experiences, resources, and interesting connections with people you form it will certainly be worth the bang for your buck.

What to do for fun

There are many fun activities to do on campus. One well known option is Gator Nights on Fridays, where movies are shown. Along with this there are many clubs for those of any interest.

Food and Dining

The food is bland and is pretty repetitive.

Dorm Life

In this department it come down to who you know.

Academic Rigor

You truly have to pay attention in ALL of your classes. Trust me there is little to no slacking off at UF.

Tips for prospective students

1. From Day 1 have a good relationship with your instructors. 2. Go to office hours. 3. Read ahead of the class.

In three sentences

University of Florida is a source of higher education, in which one could find all they need if they know where to look. Once there students will not only find the tools to succeed inside the classroom, but in their future careers as well. There will be moments were some classes may catch you off guard, but with true grit and use of resources you shall make it through.

Nene from Lake Worth, FL

I live off campus but I've heard that the dorms are nice and comfortable

Tips for prospective students

University of Florida is a competitive school. Everyone wants to attend here, so I advise you to apply early and submitted everything ahead of time.

In three sentences

University of Florida is a great school. I'm currently attending here as a graduate student in the College of Pharmacy. The program is demanding and challenging but overall, it is wonderful because the professors assist the students and help to improve and develop our knowledge.

Mercedes from Daytona Beach, FL

05/09/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The university police are somewhat of a joke. The emergency phones located throughout campus are not made very obvious, and in the event that a masked man is chasing me, I doubt I would make it to one of these inconspicuous phones.

Greek Life

Wherever you turn, you will see the Greeks. They are very apparent and patriotic Gators.

Clubs and Activities

We are approaching 1,000 student organizations! We have many intramural sports teams with members who are very dedicated. We have multiple gyms and Olympic-sized pools to exercise. Our student services range from massage therapy, to exercise classes, to mental counseling.

Great for these types of students

UF is definitely for adventurous people. If you like to travel, there is always an organization planning a trip, whether it be to another city or another country.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are three painting locations around campus. One is a massive stretch of wall on the west edge (34th Street) of campus, another is at the south edge (13th street), and the third is a tunnel leading to Norman hall from the rest of campus. The tradition is to paint or spray paint something to express yourself (some people advertise). You can find very talented work here. It's also one of the achievements you can use for graduation pins to put on your graduation robe.

Bang for the buck

Tuition for every school goes up pretty much every year, but students communicate with each other very well. Instead of buying a textbook at the bookstore for $200, you can easily get it from another student for $70 or use a file or online version of the book for less than the hard copy.

What to do for fun

As I stated before, it is a very diverse place. There is also a show being put on at the Reitz Union. Celebrities such as comedians, journalists, and actors come throughout the year to speak and perform. Most of these things are free, so it's easy to have fun without breaking the bank!

Food and Dining

For a university with 50,000+ students and staff, the selection of food is pretty limited and unhealthy. We don't need two Burger Kings and a Papa Johns. The dining halls make great food, but that is very expensive. I have also found roaches in the food on multiple occasions.

Dorm Life

The dorms are great for freshmen. It's a great way to meet friends, especially if you came in with few. It's a bit grimy, unless you're in the honors dorms (which are extremely expensive). The dorm team around you will make the best of your experience and you certainly will not regret it!

Academic Rigor

The academic environment is difficult and respectable. You must work to have a high GPA here, but it is well worth it when you walk across that stage as a graduate as one of the best universities of the nation.

Tips for prospective students

Do not bite off more than you can chew. Keep your first semester's credit hours to a minimum so that you may grasp the concept of such a large university without making mistakes in the process. If and when you join organizations, choose a select few and be especially involved in them, instead of signing up for many that you have no involvement in. Be frugal with your money and exercise exercise exercise!

In three sentences

This university is incredibly diverse in all demographic aspects. The number of organizations available make it to where there should be no problem finding your niche if you try. The University of Florida is a varietal paradise.

Ariel from Gainesville, FL

With Bright Futures and possibly Florida Pre-paid, UF provides an incredible education for a student on a budget! There are also many scholarships available.

What to do for fun

Attending sporting events is a great way to bond with your fellow Gators! Also, joining a student organization will provide you with great opportunities to enjoy your time at UF.

Food and Dining

UF offers a huge variety of dining options catering to many dietary restrictions including vegetarian, kosher, and vegan options.

Dorm Life

The dorms are a great way to meet new people and to get exposed to the variety of things that campus-life has to offer!

Academic Rigor

I am a pre-medical student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Health Sciences. My entire course load has been interactive, enriching, and challenging.

Tips for prospective students

Approach the University of Florida with an open mind and heart. Take the initiative to grab opportunities that may arise and don't feel out numbered. Although UF is a large school, it is possible to get to know your professors and stand out in the crowd.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is an incredible institution for both Florida residents and students from around the world. The caring, brilliant professors coupled with the amazing opportunities create an environment conducive to learning. There are thousands of student organizations to fit any variety of interests and hobbies.

The University of Florida is an excellent opportunity to start your college life because it offers academic opportunities. UF is a large campus that offers diversity and and a variety of activities to enjoy. At UF students have the opportunity to do undergraduate research with outstanding faculty members.

Lexi from Orlando, FL

05/10/2012

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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What to do for fun

While I have only visited the campus, I remember during my visit that there was residue from a shaving cream fight the students had thrown the night before on the elevators in the residence halls, so it seems like there's plenty of planned and spontaneous fun going on on campus.

Food and Dining

The food court is a little bit of a hike from some of the dorms, but there are quite a few options. (Although I would personally prefer to cook my own food because I would most likely get tired of eating only cafeteria food.)

Dorm Life

From what I know, the dorms are fairly old. However, they appear to be decent and they do offer a variety of styles from traditional dorm to apartment style housing.

Academic Rigor

While UF isn't an Ivy League school, it is still fairly competitive and admission will be more likely if in high school you are enrolling in AP classes and are actively participating in a few extracurricular activities.

Tips for prospective students

Apply to housing very early.

In three sentences

The Swamp in a nutshell: a campus thriving with academic and social energy.

SimplyDafDaf from Gainesville, FL

05/11/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The UFPD (police deparment) does an amazing job of keeping this campus safe. We get text messages and emails if there's anything fishy going on. There is also a free van service provided during the evenings if you don't want to walk alone.

Greek Life

Greek life is huge on this campus. It's great, creates wonderful networking opportunities and amazing college memories.

Clubs and Activities

There are more than 800 student organizations on campus. If you seriously can't find one that suits your needs, you can actually start one yourself!

Great for these types of students

This school is great for all types of students! However, if you're someone who enjoys living a life with high standards in your academia and a huge tendency to surround yourself with a lot of people - you'll love this school. It blends both worlds together.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

At the Florida football games, we always stand up, link up and sing We are the Boys of Old Florida. It really ignites that Gator spirit in you!

What to do for fun

You can get involved on one of the hundreds of organizations on campus and travel all over Gainesville, Florida, USA or even the world with them! You can also go downtown and check out the amazing restaurants and nightclubs! There is also a huge lake nearby where you can get on a canoeing! We have lots of museums with art and natural history and butterflies. We also have a bat house. Gainesville has a lot land and nature for you to admire. You can go a few miles down and go stargazing. Besides that, if you want to check out some of the larger cities nearby, you can drive to Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Orlando, Tampa or Tallahassee because they are all an hour to two hours away!

Food and Dining

There are some great options on campus. The dining areas are usually buffet style and there is a variety of food. It goes from American, Italian, Hispanic, Vegetarian and more! There are also restaurants right across the streets so you can walk to them if you don't want to eat on campus.

Dorm Life

The dorms are okay. If you want something cheap, you'll be sharing a lot of things! From your room to the bathroom. If you want something more personal, you'll have to pay for it. Though the physical dorms are not like hotels, they are livable. What makes dorm life amazing are the connections and new friends you get when you live in the dorms.

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor of this school depends on the major. All in all, it is pretty rigorous but not rigorous to the point where you can't have a social life. Some of the hardest majors are in Engineering, Hard Sciences (Chemistry/Biology etc), and Accounting. Some of the easiest majors are Religion and Family, Youth and Community Sciences. Either way, the degree you obtain from the University of Florida is worth more than just money. It's extremely valuable no matter what major you were.

Tips for prospective students

It may be a little overwhelming at first because it is such a large school in a not-so-large town. However, once you make friends and begin living, you forget that you're away from home and you feel comfortable with this new home. There are so many people at this school - you will fit in somewhere, trust me!

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a large school with so many great opportunities. There are plenty of courses and majors to choose from, opportunities to be involved and so many things to do within the campus itself. You become a proud Gator and you feel the support all around you once you step foot in the school.

Kemberly from Jacksonville, FL

Campus is very safe. There is no reason to say you can't be protected and know that you walk outside and be completely safe.

Greek Life

Well known, very nice people. I am not apart of Greek Life but I notice the things they do around campus and i like it.

Clubs and Activities

There are some for everyone and for everything. You will find a great one for you and you will love it.

Great for these types of students

Great for anybody. There is a club for everything and there are plenty of different and nice people that anyone can find things in common with.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Any unusual traditions? Locations? They all seem usual to me, but I'm pretty unusual myself. I would say the area behind the student union. Anything can be going on back there.

Bang for the buck

Everything is worth what you pay for. I haven't seen anything that isn't. The best thing is the lottery where you have a chance for season tickets to the football games. If you don't win, you get your money back.

What to do for fun

You name it, there it is. There are myriad activities. There is always something going on, from movie nights, to step shows, dance marathons and whatever else they come up with. You can never truly be bored.

Food and Dining

The food is pretty good. I really don't have much to say about it because I don't eat in the dining halls but that's mainly because I cook just about everyday. There are a great selection of restaurants as well.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is pretty good. There are many chances to not only familarize yourself with campus life but also to make friends and have a good time when you're stressed from studying.

Academic Rigor

It's pretty tough academically but there are always outlets for help. Then again you have easy and hard academic classes, so it may just be in the middle. Know what you are working with.

Tips for prospective students

Be mindful of what's going on. You will need to know deadlines, campus events, and important people to contact. You should always have a learning attitude because it will get difficult.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a great school. You have plenty of opportunities to be successful. There is a great environment for anyone to enjoy.

gtrship89

There are always parties, clubs, or student organizations putting on events.

Food and Dining

I think the meal plans offered to students are over priced for what they are, but if you are living on campus I would recommend that you have one. The reason for this is because it is much more convenient. Having to cook in your dorm is an absolute pain.

Dorm Life

It is fun and great because, although the dorms are old and not that big, they are great to live in your first year because they will help you to meet people and get involved with the university.

Academic Rigor

It depends on what your major is. Many of the classes are challenging, but if you study everyday and not procrastinate, then you should be able to pass your classes.

Tips for prospective students

I recommend living on campus your first year and to get involved in student life.

In three sentences

It is a very fun college environment. However, because it is a large school, it is very rare that you will get any personal attention. You really have to be a self learner and a self motivator to succeed at UF.

Kathryn from Naples, FL

The university sends out text and e-mail alerts whenever something is going on, so students are kept up to date.

Clubs and Activities

WIth over 950 clubs on campus, there is something for everyone!

Great for these types of students

Great for extroverted students who aren't afraid to take action and leave their comfort zones.

Bang for the buck

YES! You cannot get a better deal.

What to do for fun

Lots of free and fun activities- check out Gator Nights every Friday at the Reitz Student Union.

Food and Dining

Great on campus dining services, though sometimes may have funny hours. Dining hall is awesome!

Dorm Life

Research residence halls on campus- each has is own culture and feel.

Academic Rigor

Everything is what you make it if you put in the necessary time and effort.

Tips for prospective students

OFFICE HOURS, OFFICE HOURS, OFFICE HOURS! Your professors are there to help you, but they cannot do so if they do not know you need it. Every professor puts aside a couple of hours each week to talk to students in your class- USE THEM!

In three sentences

University of Florida is far better than I could have possibly expected! Coming from a small school, I was nervous that I might experience culture shock but that was certainly not the case. This lively and energetic campus captivated me right away and I know this is where I was supposed to be.

Marie from Gainesville, FL

05/15/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I feel safe walking around campus. There are poles all around, so if you feel you are in danger, you go to one of these poles and press the button and the University Police are there right away. Even if you're running away, press numerous poles so the police can locate you. There is also on campus night time transportation called SNAP. All dorms require keypad access, so strict that sometimes its hard to get in even if u live there.

Greek Life

Some of the more important buildings on campus are sorority and fraternity houses. Greek life is pretty important to those involved.

Clubs and Activities

there are 100+ clubs at UF, like skydiving, international clubs, rowing, bowling, dance, music, etc. So there will always be something that interests anyone!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Many people believe Norman Hall and Beaty Towers are haunted, I disagree, but spend the night and test it for yourself.

What to do for fun

Friday Night's they have 'Gator Nights' where there are games, activities, crafts, and a movie with popcorn and soda. There are also many places to go downtown/midtown, bowling alley's, bars, pool parties, concerts, etc.

They have great opportunities and little gatherings, but other than that, dorm life is lacking here. Rooms are small and tight for how many people they squeeze in there, but it's a great way to get to know people.

Academic Rigor

Classes are large, so if you learn better in small group settings, it may be very difficult. The material is pretty hard depending on the subject matter.

Tips for prospective students

Learn the campus, IT'S HUGE! Don't be afraid to get involved and join clubs. Be outgoing! Having friends here makes the college process a lot easier. Go to office hours! Especially if you're in a large class of 200+ The extra help from your professor will benefit you in the long run.

In three sentences

Great scenery with it's old brick buildings and Bell tower. Excellent student involvement with campus activities like 'Gator Nights and special concerts. Excellent campus/public transportation.

Franco from Orlando, FL

05/17/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There are numerous blue light emergency posts everywhere on campus, and guarantee police assistance within 60 seconds of when the button was pushed. A free snap transportation service is provided, which gives students a ride anywhere on campus after 3:00 AM.

Clubs and Activities

With over 900 clubs to choose from, no one will ever feel left out. There is something for everyone whether they are a beginner at something, or an expert.

Bang for the buck

Professors and TA's are eager to help with plenty of office/ virtual office hours. It often makes their day to find out students are interested in learning beyond the classroom.

What to do for fun

The student union provides students with an array of free activities in order to keep boredom at bay. Social gatherings and games are constantly announced and organized.

Food and Dining

The school provides students with a decently affordable meal-plan variety, but meals do not rollover to the next semester or month (based on the plan) so anything unused is wasted.

Dorm Life

The rooms vary from single rooms, to four room apartment styles, so finding the right environment is relatively easy. Make sure to apply for housing early though! Students pick on a first-come first-serve basis.

Academic Rigor

It appears that top-knotch students nationwide flock to the University of Florida for its classes. Teachers expect the student to be responsible enough to seek help as often as possible.

Tips for prospective students

Don't get caught up in the night life. Many students drop out because of this, so keep in mind that you are there for the grades.

In three sentences

The environment is inviting and ideal for learning. It's great to feel at home, yet motivated to work hard because of the surroundings at the same time. There is no other school I'd pick over UF.

Azizakhon from Port Orange, FL

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Dorm Life

I have not lived in residential halls myself yet, but I will very soon. Coming from my researches, I can tell that dorms are nice.

In three sentences

University of Florida is one of the most prestigious and the best schools in every way. It offers variety of majors and professional degrees to choose from. I will be attending UF this Fall and am sure I'll enjoy it!

Brittany from Boca Raton, FL

unnessary to make friends and enjoy a good college experience, overall its overated.

Clubs and Activities

Clubs are downtown. Clubs that I enjoy are the loft, and 101 downtown.

Great for these types of students

Midtown restaurants, southwest/rec gym, downtown - all close to campus, gyms are located on campus.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is a bat cave on museum road that is located along nice path of trees and a surrounding lake. Many people use this path along the street as a jog or walk intinerary. Everday, around evening time, the bats come out and you can see them take flight within the area.

What to do for fun

Lots of outdoor activites, and indoor as well. Rock climbing, Lake Wauburg (has kayaking and canoeing along with water skiing and other activities via the lakeside including volleyball nets, overall a great place to have a bbq or picnic), Ginnie springs, Devil's Millhopper. Also, a lot of places to dine and ecclectic bars that are downtown.

Tips for prospective students

Big classes may be overwhelming at first, but they get smaller after your first year and you begin to make friends that last for a lifetime after the big hurdle of freshman year.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is overall a good school and has a great disposition. My major, architecture, has brought me into friendships that are apart of me like family. The school is spirited and continues to uphold its pride that bonds the thousands of different students together.

William from Tampa, FL

05/29/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The campus is very safe as long as you have some common sense. Once in a while you will hear about a sorority girl who got into a random stranger's car and almost getting kidnapped but the cops are always on top of things and any person who commits a crime on campus always gets apprehended.

Greek Life

Like many campuses, the Greeks are mostly kids who just want to go out to party and have a good time. A few of them are very bright students and very cool people but most of them are airheads who struggle to pass their classes.

Clubs and Activities

There are clubs of every sort at the University of Florida. From Racquetball Club to the Quidditch Club I gurantee there is something out there for you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

All incoming freshman receive a Fbook when they go to orientation in the summer. The Fbook is filled with traditions on campus and if you complete 40 of the traditions and have proof then you will receive a medal when you graduate from the university.

Bang for the buck

Overall, the University of Florida is a great campus. There is no other college I can imagine myself going to because the people here are so nice and the weather is amazing. I would not trade anything for my place at this campus.

What to do for fun

There are a ton of activities to do throughout Gainesville. On campus you can go to one of two gyms, either the Racquetball Club (aka the Student Rec Center) and the Southwest Gym, and play basketball, racquetball, volleyball, ping pong, and more. If you are looking just to workout there are plenty of machines at each gym, especially at Southwest, and there are always cardio and yoga classes scheduled throughout the day. There is also Lake Wauburg where people go canoeing, windsurfing, or just relax on the beach. UF is well known to be a party school so if you want to go out and make some new friends partying is the way to go and there is almost always a party going on somewhere.

Food and Dining

I definitely do not recommend getting the Gator Dining Meal Plan because while the food is great in the summer and is still good in the beginning of fall the quality of the food quickly diminishes after the first month. However, there are plenty of restaurants, fast food places, and stores where you can buy food.

Dorm Life

The dorms at UF are called Residence Halls and I recommend that all incoming students should live in a Residence Hall for one year but no more than that because it can get boring after the first semester.

Academic Rigor

Many of the courses are challenging enough so that you really need to work for an A regardless of the subject.

Tips for prospective students

It is a good idea to live on campus for at least one year to get a feel for the area and to get the full college experience.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is an amazing school where all sorts of people from all over the world mingle and share their ideas. The professors at the university are fantastic and are more than willing to teach anyone and everyone. Students are very social and open to meeting anyone and everyone.

Mel from West Palm Beach, FL

The is University of Florida Police and they are very good at what they do. With a simple push of the button on the blue safety lights they will appear and tend to your emergency.

Clubs and Activities

There are over 900 organizations on campus and there are numerous research and intern opportunities.

What to do for fun

There are numerous student organizations, over 900. You can Go Greek, play intramural sports, go to the gym, grab lunch with friends, head downtown, or go to a meeting and meet new people.

Food and Dining

The dining halls have food that is edible and some of it is actually good. There are so many places on and off campus to get food, and it's food we are familiar with, such as Chipotle and Chick-fil-a. If cooking is more your thing, you can always take one of the many buses over to Publix and shop and use one of the kitchens on the floors of your dorm, or your own kitchen if you are living off campus.

Dorm Life

Dorms are not my thing. I stayed in them and sharing a bathroom with many girls is not what I enjoy. A plus for dorms is that you can meet a lot of people and you are right on campus so classes will be closer, as long as your 7:30 class isn't on the opposite side of campus, you will be able to enjoy every second of sleep.

Academic Rigor

Classes are not those that you can just show up for and get an A. This is not high school and a lot of learning is done on your own.

Tips for prospective students

Be sure that you want to go to the University of Florida because you truly want to be there, not because your parents went there or your friends are going there, you want to be happy while you are getting an education.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a large campus, with a diverse student population. The students are kind and friendly and much of the faculty and staff are helpful and well credited. There are so many opportunities to get involved and the libraries are open until all hours of the night.

Maggie from Orlando, FL

05/30/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

UF has police that patrols the school very carefully! Just like every school there is unnecessary violence and momentarily scary situations, however UF provides many options to make the campus and the student feel very safe!

Greek Life

UF has a huge Greek Life so if that is what interests you, you are set! However, if Greek Life isn't your cup of tea, you're in luck because about 50,000 other students feel the same way!

Clubs and Activities

There are hundreds of clubs and activities depending on what interests you! I am involved in Young Life and have met the most amazing people and I am really plugged into that community. There is something for everyone!

Great for these types of students

The University of Florida is great for literally all types of students. There is something for everyone, and everyone I know that goes there is so happy! Just do it!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One of my favorite times of the year is when students play zombies vs humans. It is hilarious to watch grown men and women chasing each other around campus with nerf guns. They really get into it and it is so amusing to watch!

Bang for the buck

UF is fairly inexpensive compared to other schools and let me tell you it is one hundred percent every penny you spend. It is a wonderful school and I can't rave about it enough! I love college and I love being a Florida Gator!

What to do for fun

UF has just about anything that interests you, you just have to make sure to get involved somewhere! They have all sorts of sports, clubs, and organizations. IM sports and game days are the best!

Food and Dining

The dining halls usually have tasty meals, however, it is quite pricey. Usually, students end up eating at different places anyways, so I would advise against buying the overpriced meal plans and stick to the myriad of food joints right around campus that will be more appealing to you anyways!

Dorm Life

Dorm life is far from ideal, however, it is a wonderful place to meet friends. My advice is to live in a dorm your freshman year for the experience and then never go near another dorm again!

Academic Rigor

The University of Florida highly values academic excellence and constantly pushes students to push their brains to their maximum potential. Classes at UF are anything but easy, however most of the professors are excellent at teaching and willing to help all different types of learners understand the material they present.

Tips for prospective students

Whether you join a sorority or fraternity, get involved in clubs, or join your favorite non-profit organization, my advice is to get plugged into something you are passionate about. Enjoy every minute you spend because the time will fly by and do not take for granted any moments. Cherish the people you meet because they will be your best friends for life.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a highly prestigious school focused on insuring academic excellence. However, it is not just a school; it's a community, an extremely large, extended family of sorts. It is home.

Bree from Jacksonville, FL

They keep you well aware of the environment and if anything ever happens.

Greek Life

It is something to get use to if you have never been exposed to it. There are various sororities and fraternities on campus so finding one should not be hard to do.

Clubs and Activities

Oh the possibilities that this campus offers. They have a website with all the different clubs or you can go into the office. They table often for those who still need some guidance.

Great for these types of students

If anything there is something to get involved in on this campus.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

When you first arrive they give you an F book with plenty of traditions. By far the most unusual tradition would have to be the underwear dash. Clothes you wear are donated to charity !

What to do for fun

There is plenty to do if you want to get into something Lake Waulberg, Clubbing, Gator Nights and various other activites.

Food and Dining

The dining halls are not good at all they have there days, but i would not recommend a meal plan. A declingin balance would be more sufficient because we have different places to eat on campus like Chik-Fil-A, Panda Express and more.

Dorm Life

Depending on what dorm you stay in is the result of campus life. Dorm life is not as bad as it may seem especially if you room with someone you know. If not then it is always a great way to make a new friend and don't bring an overload of stuff small space with a lot of stuff not a good idea.

Academic Rigor

The hardest classes at UF would have to be the math and science classes. Never procrastinate with those classes and in general study take notes and visit your professor or TA's office hours.

Tips for prospective students

One thing you should do is take advantage of your free time before classes start, look at the campus and find your classes, and adjust to your dorm/apartment. Be willing to try new things as well you never know who you will meet in return

In three sentences

University of Florida has been one of the best choices I have made in my life. I've made some great people, done some new things and even went to a lake. There's more to offer if you give the school a chance.

Lorena from Hialeah, FL

There is always something going on either on campus or the town itself. Because it's a place centered around the university, everywhere you go you will have college students there.

Food and Dining

Dining Halls aren't AMAZING but it's definitely not terrible either.

Dorm Life

Living in a dorm your first year is a must! You will enjoy your freshmen much more. It's a lot easier to meet new people and make great friends!

Academic Rigor

Sciences and mathematics are the hardest at Florida. However, there are plenty of tutoring resources (some are even free!) that will help you ace the class and understand the material very well.

Tips for prospective students

Come open-minded, ready to try new things. Step out of your comfort-zone, you will enjoy it a lot more.

In three sentences

Great school. Being that it's a college town, anywhere you go is catered towards college students. The atmosphere and spirit of the school is amazing, unlike any other. You really get what you are paying for and much more!

Katherina from Cutler Bay, FL

Its there but you don't have to be in a sorority or a frat to have a fun time in Gainesville

Clubs and Activities

SO MANY CLUBS. and even more activities!

Great for these types of students

Everyone (seriously)

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is so many!

Bang for the buck

If you live in state this is the best college in Florida and you don't have to pay that much. If you're from out of state I think they're really good with their financial aid.

What to do for fun

There is so much to do in Gainesville don't worry you will not get bored at all.

Food and Dining

Gainesville has the best restaurants ever, and best of all it has the best Mexican restaurant ever.

Dorm Life

Love living in the dorms! RAs are awesome, people are nice and there is always something to do!!

Academic Rigor

Academics honestly depend on your major but we're not a slack school thats for sure.

Tips for prospective students

If you like big atmospheres and such this is the place for you. Even if you don't want to go to a big school UF has everything for every single person like seriously. Go here you'll be glad you did! Everyone loves a Gator

In three sentences

Gator Nation what else can I say? Gainesville is the place to be at and the people there are amazing and very nice. It's basically a college town and I completely love it there. :)

Bob from GAINESVILLE, FL

06/02/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There's downtown nightlife if you like dancing, rock-climbing, springs and many other outdoors type activities! There's an on-campus bowling and arcade facility, and many other fun things to do as well, all for cheap.

Food and Dining

Good dining options and meal plans oncampus as well as good eats off-campus too!

Dorm Life

Didnt stay on campus, but heard decent things. Good access to on-campus social life.

Academic Rigor

Courses are more difficult if you're premed, architect or engineering obviously. If you're from a disadvantaged background such as myself, but want an optimal career path, it will prove very difficult, especially if you work to support yourself. So, be sure to get all the free tutoring and assistance you can!

Tips for prospective students

If you are in a more competitive major, such as the Pre-Med track, be prepared for long hours of study and rigor. The professors are there to help, but the opportunity to succeed is slimmer than with other courses due to less possible grades/assignments in the weed out courses.

In three sentences

It is a very diverse campus with many great professors and a diverse student body. A student from any background or ethnicity will find a home in Gainesville at UF

Season tickets to UF football games Free admission for students to basketball games. Free bus service anywhere across gainesville.

What to do for fun

Midtown for Bars Downtown for danicng and club life Zoos, Tropical rainforest parks, Skateparks, On-Campus game room, On-Campus events and club events, Concerts (very huge concerts, Drake has come to gainesville before).

Food and Dining

Best places to eat on campus and if you are not interested in eating on campus, Gainesville has a multitude of eating places and types of foods are not limited. Chic-Fil-A, Burger King, Pollo Tropical, Five Guys, Dominos, Indian food, Sushi, Wok-seared chinese food, All you can eat Buffet on campus, as well as various vending machines throughout campus.

Dorm Life

I have had the pleasure of living in two dorm halls, one at Jennings hall and the other at Murphree hall K. Some dorms lack scenery in which you are staring at a forest outside of the window. Some dorms are not comfortable or spacy to live in. Some dorms have too many individuals which can result in noisy halls.

Academic Rigor

Depending on certain majors, classes at Florida are not the most difficult. I have noticed Engineering, Economics, and Accounting majors tend to have more difficult overall curricula than other majors.

Tips for prospective students

Come to UF prepared to put in many hours of studying. Decision-making sKills and time management skills are more important at the beginning of college than how smart you are. Enjoy, Live, and Learn.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is one of the best colleges in the nation as well as the entire world and this is backed up repeatedly. It is a beautiful mesh of tranquility mixed with academic prowess mixed with some of the best partying scenes. If you love the Orange and Blue then you will love what Florida has to offer.

Florida Gator 2015

06/05/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Greek Life

Not mandatory all though they are literally all over the place. They run Student Government so it will be hard to get a position in there if you arent affiliated with them. Some will be pompous and arrogant about that fact and claim they care so much about campus. Majority of them are awesome people.

Bang for the buck

Well worth the money you pay to come here.

What to do for fun

There are plenty of clubs and the nightlife is always lively.

Food and Dining

Food is good for about a month or two. After that you get tired of eating it and you are miserable. If you can avoid this, it'll save you about $3600

Dorm Life

Dorm life is what you would expect. You're sharing a room and bathroom with other people but those people can grow to be some of your best friends.

Academic Rigor

Classes are challenging but if you got into UF you can handle it.

Tips for prospective students

Definitely live on campus for your first year. It may not be the best but it get's you accustomed to campus

In three sentences

I love being a Florida Gator. The school is very welcoming and its very easy to find where you fit in. best choice I've made so far.

Meghan from Deerfield Beach, FL

06/11/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus police are really strict about speed limits, smoking illegal substances, and alcohol on campus. I feel safe even when walking home at midnight from the library. If you don't feel safe, call SNAP!

Greek Life

I never did it, but I wouldn't have had as much fun if I didn't know people who did. If you can't afford it, make friends who are in it.

Clubs and Activities

There are thousands of clubs and intramurals (non professional competitive sports teams), join one or two or three! you meet so many people!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Undie Run is a must do! Go with friends and donate your clothes to a good cause, and run around campus in your underwear!

What to do for fun

Go to Lake Wauberg and relax on the water with friends. Go bowling at the Reitz or Splitz. Join the nightlife, a lot of the clubs are 18+.

Food and Dining

Do NOT get the meal plan. It's not worth it and you lose a lot of money. You get sick of on campus food really quickly. If anything, get the declining balance on your Gator1. Go during classes, in between classes are very crowded and it could take 30+ min to get food.

Dorm Life

Live the dorm life at least one year! Be outgoing and make friends. It's as welcoming as you make it. The bathrooms are small but you rarely see anyone in them, unless you have early classes.

Academic Rigor

Classes are a lot of work. The first year you'll spend a lot of your time at studyedge/Tutoringzone. Then all of your time will be spent in the library. Don't slack on homework. Do a little at a time and prioritize!

Tips for prospective students

Don't take the first year so lightly, it goes by fast. Make friends, have fun, but plan for when you continue after college. Get to know your professors!

In three sentences

The University of Florida is fun and friendly. But crowded! Live the dorm life at least one year.

Adam from Palm Bay, FL

Campus Police does a good job of patrolling the main campus, but areas near fraternity and sorority row and the edges of campus where the dorms are could stand to see an increase in police monitoring.

Greek Life

It's a mixed bag. I've had more unpleasant encounters with the greek community than otherwise, and they dominate student government. Many treat the rest of the University's students unfairly, but I've met my fair share of those who defy the stereotypes.

Clubs and Activities

Always something to do, and the student organizations are brimming with activity.

Great for these types of students

Virtually any kind of student can fit in here. Anyone can find their niche within a semester.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Humans vs. Zombies, a massive game of Nerf tag, occurs once every semester and lasts for 5 days. Humans have to survive from being tagged by immortal zombies. You're never safe though; it lasts 24 hours a day for all 5 days!

Bang for the buck

It's a bit expensive for some people's tastes, but if you know how to get the most of the University, it's certainly worth it.

What to do for fun

Midtown and Downtown are close by, but there's always something happening on campus. Take a stroll, and you're bound to run into a friend or an event.

Food and Dining

Dining has actually improved since I have been attending, due to a change in management. It's usually a hit-or-miss situation at either of the meal-plan-accessible dining halls

Dorm Life

Depending on where you live, dorm life can be quiet and peaceful, lively and enjoyable, or simply crazy and outlandish. It's a roll of the dice though, nothing is ever guaranteed!

Academic Rigor

The required classes can be challenging and frustrating, but most of the classes you take later on are fun and engaging.

Tips for prospective students

Don't fall behind on your classes! The biggest mistake you can make is to start skipping classes or being forgetful about your work. Keep a big calender somewhere with everything you need to do written on it!

In three sentences

The University is incredibly diverse and has a wide range of opportunities for learning, community, and fun. One thing I dislike is the relative disinterest towards the needs of the students by the various forms of government at the university. However, in general, the University is shaping up to be a solid, well-rounded college experience that I would not trade for any other.

Mary from Anthony, FL

06/14/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I, personally, would not walk on campus or in Gainesville alone at night. I have had no problems calling one of my male friends to meet me somewhere, and they definitely do not mind or think I'm paranoid. In fact, they would rather I did that than walk somewhere late at night, so no, I don't think the campus is all that safe. They have the emergency blue light buttons that you are supposed to be able to see from any place on campus (I think that's debatable, but that's what we're told). There is also nighttime transportation and UPD, but still, I wouldn't walk many places at night by myself.

Greek Life

I'm not involved in Greek life, and I've only been to one party at a UF frat. It was basically what you'd expect. I don't know that UF's Greek life differs extraordinarily from Greek life at other places.

Clubs and Activities

There is definitely no shortage of clubs at UF, but to me, tey are either so large that you feel lost in the crowd as a member, or they are so small that they are insignificant/don't do much. It seems that my friends at smaller universities/colleges have a much more fulfilling experience with their clubs and organizations.

Great for these types of students

If you want a large university, UF is definitely for you. However, if you want to be able to walk around and know somebody when you go somewhere, that probably isn't going to happen very often here. Uf is immersed in the city of Gainesville, so a lot of events and activities take place off-campus, which I find to be less of a college experience.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The F Book has a list of around 60 traditions that students can participate in. If a student completes 10, 20, 30, or 40 traditions in their time as a student, they can wear a special pin/medallion at graduation as a Tradition Keeper.

Bang for the buck

There are certainly a lot of perks that come with tuition in the form of student services and available activities. You aren't just paying for the academics, so that's good. Then again, if you never use the infirmary or the gym or the bus or... well, those costs could seem pointless to you. However, I think every student uses the available services at least a few times.

What to do for fun

There are lots of outdoor activities for adventurous people and about 1,000 clubs on campus. Gainesville has anything any other city has (for the most part), and if you have a group of friends, you won't be bored. The gyms on campus have group classes all day from 7am til 11pm, and those are a lot of fun, even if you aren't generally a fitness oriented person. There's always an event with food or free stuff somewhere on campus (benefit of a large campus), so no one should ever really be bored.

Food and Dining

The two dining halls are decent, but I think they get old, and the meal plans are too expensive. However, there are lots of chain establishments (Burger King, Starbucks, Subway, Chick-fil-a, Quiznos, Einstein Bros., Chili's, Moe's, etc.), and those are obviously good. You can use your Flex Bucks (meal plan) at those places, so that's good if you have that.

Dorm Life

I never lived in the dorms, but I have had friends who have, and I have visited dorms at many other schools. I think Uf's dorm quality is sub-par, but they are sufficient if you literally just want a place to live. I would have had no problem living in the dorm (I chose not to have a roommate, though), but if the quality is really important to you, you'll end up farther away from classroom buildings and taking the bus to classes each day.

Academic Rigor

UF is definitely going to provide you with a good education, assuming you take advantage of it. There are lots of large classes, and you have to be able to learn the material on your own. That is, you have to be able to use resources on your own. There are plenty of ways to get help and learn material, but don't expect it all to come from the classroom.

Tips for prospective students

If you come to this school with people you know, make sure you also get involved in something away from the friends you already have! Meet new people that are completely unrelated to your high school friends so that you can broaden your views and social ties.

In three sentences

UF is definitely a large University. There's positives and negatives that go along with that, so it depends on the person whether or not you will like that. In my opinion, it would have been easier to meet people at a smaller university/college, rather than at UF.

Katelynn from Gainesville, FL

UF offers services like SNAP (which is basically an on-campus taxi to pick you up wherever/whenever you need), has their own police station, and strictly enforces parking rules and speed limits.

Greek Life

A great way to make our huge campus seem smaller, and help you find your niche. Greeks aren't a huge force on campus, but when someone in your class is in a frat or sorority, well, let's just say it's written all over them.

Clubs and Activities

If your interested in it, there's probably a club for it. Go to the Center for Involvement in the Reitz, use IDEAL's service, and they'll match you with clubs based on your interests for free.

Great for these types of students

If you're a bookworm, you'll be happy to know that Library West (AKA Club West) is open 24/7 Fall and Spring semesters. More of a socialite? Chances are you and your friends will create a new hobby of trying every restaurant in town at least once.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The 13th street tunnel is one of the only places in the city you can graffiti and spraypaint up a storm without getting in trouble. Go crazy, and leave your mark... Just know it'll probably be covered up by someone else's art within a few days.

Bang for the buck

UF isn't somewhere you go simply to earn a degree- it's where you go to truly earn it and prepare yourself for your future.

What to do for fun

Go see the free concerts, movies, and events in the Reitz. Every Friday there's GatorNights, where a new-release movie is shown and there's free breakfast at midnight. There's also multiple clubs, restaurants, and boutiques downtown that have different specials throughout the week.

Food and Dining

UF has Meatless Mondays to cut down on their carbon footprint, and always offer vegetarian options. Although food can be pretty expensive on campus, they have a great variety of restaurants other than the dining halls.

Dorm Life

Springs, Rawlings, and Hume are the better of the dorms, but beware of Broward and any of the older buildings. Also, most don't have air conditioning... Which makes the humidity and heat that much more unbearable in summers and fall.

Academic Rigor

The chemistry and math departments are top-notch. In every tracking course I took I felt challenged and had to work for my grade. There's no such thing as an easy A at UF.

Tips for prospective students

I would choose UF over any Florida university. There are so many accomodations for the students, such as the Career Resource Center and the center for involvement and organizations, where they will match you with recommendations for free.

In three sentences

The campus is extremely clean and well-kept outside, but the older classrooms can be grungy. There is never enough study space in the libraries. However, they offer more free services to their students than any other college I've found.

Raymond from Lakeland, FL

06/18/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus is very safe. The UFPD (University of Florida Police Department) sends texts to all students notifying us if there is any unusual activity going on at the school as well as updates to the situation and eventually and outcome of the situation.

Great for these types of students

This school is great for any student.

Bang for the buck

Any state college can be relatively expensive, but with all of the free events to go to, even free tutoring for classes, there is definitely a big return value.

What to do for fun

There are so many things to do for fun I do not know where to begin. There are awesome gyms on campus, various clubs for anyone of any interest, even the Gator Skydiving Club, and there are many events to go to, including Gator Nights, which is a night with fun activities, such as gaming competitions and free movies for students some of which haven't even been released in theaters yet!

Food and Dining

The food at the University of Florida is a decent price for the meal plan and the food is fresh. There is also a good variety of food for all kinds of people, including vegetarians, vegans, etc. Also, if you're a fan a greasy foods, this is the place to be!

Dorm Life

Dorms are great for living, but can be a bit pricey. Also, there are some rooms with non-air conditioning which are less expensive, but can get a bit warm during the summer months. The rooms are spacious and the bathrooms are cleaned once a day and are kept fresh.

Academic Rigor

The classes at the University of Florida are challenging and from my experience, the tests are very challenging and test your conceptual knowledge of material learned in courses.

Tips for prospective students

Studying every day is crucial for this institution. Also, showing up for every class, even online classes is very important and should be taken seriously. On the other hand, there are many fun things to do and get involved in and these resources should be utilized well.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a very good institution for academics. Also, there are tons of activities to do on campus and off campus with clubs, events, etc. Furthermore, the cost of attendance isn't that bad when comparing with other state schools.

Current student from Miami, FL

Many things depending on what you enjoy doing. I feel there's everything here, all kinds of activities for anyone. You are not alone.

Food and Dining

Saves you time from cooking on your own. If you don't cook, totally recommend it.

Dorm Life

It all depends where you want to live but its a great experience for your first year. There activities, free food at times, etc.

Academic Rigor

It is challenging and you have to work hard to gain that A.

Tips for prospective students

Do not procrastinate, take this advice or you will otherwise learn the hard way. It is nothing like high school, you have to work hard everyday. Best advice: set times every day to do a work for a certain course.

In three sentences

It is a school filled with a variety of clubs and activities. You have to work very hard for your grades as it a very though school especially if you are in a rigourous major such as medicine and engineering. So far I've had a great experience here and enjoy coming to school.

Stephanie from Royal Palm Beach, FL

There is enough food to stuff your face with freshman 15 is like a promise.

Dorm Life

very clean

Academic Rigor

very hard

Tips for prospective students

Don't get caught up with the hype of college

In three sentences

The atmosphere alone is something that very few school's can come close to. It has not only the best staff but amazing students that no one can compare with. The school is not only inviting but once a gator always a gator.

Amanda from Palm Bay, FL

06/20/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Clubs and Activities

Anything you want to get involved with, it either exists or you can create it.

Bang for the buck

BUY YOUR TEXTBOOKS ONLINE. Do NOT use the university bookstore unless absolutely necessary (lab books you'll probably have to buy at the bookstore, but most textbooks you can buy online for about 50% of the cost in the store).

What to do for fun

Sporting events are always going on, if you have friends that you can go with, it's fun. Lots of clubs downtown that are 18 and up, so you can go dancing. Also, there are a TON of clubs and organizations to get involved with on campus that have at least once a week get-togethers and usually free food!

Food and Dining

Dining halls are awful about 80% of the time, food elsewhere on campus gets repetitive because of the overabundance of Starbucks and Subway. If you can avoid a meal plan, do it.

Dorm Life

Standard doubles aren't the most fun, but not the worst thing ever. I would recommend an apartment style, like Beaty Towers or Lakeside. If you get into Hume, that's also a great dorm. But if you have a good RA, there's activities in the lounge.

Tips for prospective students

It's pretty isolated, but it is primarily a college town, so there is a good amount of things to do. You don't need a car, the busses can take you just about anywhere, but the car can be useful from time to time. It can get very hot in the summer, early fall, and late spring semester. Make sure you get yourself some shorts and Gator shirts! School pride is everywhere and athletics are a big part of life. Don't expect to be able to go anywhere on Saturdays in the fall.

Tabitha from Winter Haven, FL

06/20/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Downtown Gainesville has a lot of neat coffee shops and clubs. Also, Lake Wauberg, a park where you can lay out and rent kayaks and canoes, is a great place to visit on a sunny day and is free for students and their friends.

Tips for prospective students

Gainesville is very bike and scooter friendly, so do not bring a car because the parking tickets will pile up quickly. Make sure you buy your books online or through other students before you go to the UF or Florida Book Store. Also, do not spend all your time in the dorms; instead, go to a football game or hang out with people at your local dorm area events.

In three sentences

UF deserves two thumbs up for offering not only the best athletic events, night life, and social events, but also for its rigorous academics. The campus covers a large area of Gainesville and shows off the beautiful historic brick buildings from the early 20th century. If you choose to attend UF, you will definitely be challenged academically, make lasting friendships, and be given opportunities that will change your future forever.

Brian from Wellington, FL

06/21/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Greek Life

Greek life at UF is terrific. I pledged my fraternity the first Fall I was here and it was the best decision I have made so far at UF. Greek life makes a campus of 50,000 seem a little bit smaller and easier to meet other students. Fraternities and sororities are always interacting with each other whether it's through philanthropies and service projects or socials and tailgates. I would 100% recommend Greek life to anyone coming to UF, it certainly has made helped mold my college experience so far

What to do for fun

There are a few lakes and rivers in the surrounding areas and in Gainesville itself and during the hot summer and early Fall/late Spring the rivers are a perfect place to float down with your friends and soak up some sun. There's also an on-campus bowling alley in the Reitz, Gator Nights and football games in the Fall, tons of fields for athletics and tons of clubs to join for more stuff to do as well.

Food and Dining

There are the usual places to eat on campus like Subway, Jamba Juice and Burger King but we have places that aren't as common like Moe's and Chili's on campus along with Panda Express in the Reitz food court. We also have a handful of Starbucks around campus and in libraries and those are key for late study sessions.

Dorm Life

I lived in the dorms my first Summer B and then the following Fall and Spring semesters. UF is very good about planning events, presentations and activities through the dorm life for incoming guys and girls. The facilities are all pretty nice from what I hear too so you can't really go wrong. Dorming is something I suggest for the first year at least, it puts you in a social environment with people in the same boat as you.

Academic Rigor

I am an aerospace and mechanical engineering major and it is difficult so far. I can't imagine engineering is really easy anywhere, but the class load and tests have been tougher than I originally imagined they would be.

Tips for prospective students

Extracurriculars is one big thing that got me into the school and they keep me involved at UF. Test scores and grades are important, of course, but being a well-rounded person is equally as essential.

In three sentences

I wanted to come to a big school to guarantee that I would meet new people and UF did that for me. The big school atmosphere coupled with the crazy fans of every single sport is a perfect fit for me. I can't see myself anywhere but Gainesville and here at UF.

Kelly from Gainesville, FL

I do not currently live in a dorm at UF but from what I have observed the dorms are a great choice for any incoming freshman or sophomore.

Academic Rigor

UF offers a rigorous course load and a large variety of different majors and courses.

In three sentences

UF provides opportunities for a wide variety students seeking to earn a degree. The campus is beautiful and a has a welcoming environment. The professors and campus employees are knowledgeable and willing to help any student who wants to succeed.

Do not take your first semester lightly, it is your most important transition.

In three sentences

A beautiful campus replete with a rich culture of very diverse intellectuals. No matter what you want to do there are always people behind you to support you or join you. The strenuous curriculum maintains the motto of work hard, play hard.

Diana from Bradenton, FL

06/25/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There have been some robberies on campus and it isn't the safest place to be alone at night. But you usually feel pretty safe since it is well lighted. I think they are taking measures to have cops stationed on campus at night as well.

Greek Life

I'm not involved in Greek Life but if that's your thing you will be satisfied with UF. As far as I know a lot of partying is involved.

Clubs and Activities

As mentioned before, there are hundreds of student organizations that you can get involved with. Ranging from academic related to religion related to dance related and everything else. Sports Clubs are pretty big here too.

Great for these types of students

Athletic and/or interest in sports Social students who enjoy being involved in extracurricular activities Nerds....it seems like everyone has at least an inner nerd at UF School spirited Honestly, I see all types of students. I've seen people who are opposite of all of the above come to UF and still find a group of people they fit in with.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Hare Krishna Lunch in the Plaza of the Americas Humans vs. Zombies is a competition run by students every semester. So if you see people running around with fake guns and bandanas don't be scared. The Bat House

Bang for the buck

If you live in Florida and have Bright Futures, the University of Florida is an excellent deal. I feel very lucky that I have the opportunity to attend this University while the majority of my tuition is paid for by Bright Futures. Even if you don't have Bright Futures it is a very good deal for the quality of education.

What to do for fun

GatorNights, Club Sports, intramurals, Student Organizations (there is one for pretty much anything you can imagine), Night Life in midtown or downtown, UF sporting events like football and basketball games, Underwear Dash, Midnight Fun Run

Food and Dining

UF has many dining resources spread out on it's large campus. There are 2 Subways, Chick-Fil-A, Quizno's, Panda Express, 3+ Starbucks, Salads, Moes, and many more places to eat on campus. Pretty much any type of food you may want is on campus or right across the street on University Ave.

Dorm Life

I did not stay in the dorms but from what I've seen dorm life depends a lot on the style of dorm you stay in. Beaty Towers is not a very social dorm because it is more apartment style. Dorms like Broward, Rawlings, Jennings, etc. that are community bathroom dorm style have more social events for students.

Academic Rigor

Academic rigor depends on what you choose to study. I am an engineering student and the classes are pretty rigorous, however, they are not impossible by any means. With a desire to learn and good study habits you can succeed. Especially since UF has many tutoring resources available.

Tips for prospective students

Join one or more organizations that feel like a right fit for you and don't be afraid to move out of your comfort zone to meet people. Take advantage of professor office hours so your professors know who you are because when you need a recommendation letter it's hard to get one if no faculty members know enough about you to write one.

In three sentences

UF is unique in that it places high importance on both academics and athletics. There is a great sense of community and school spirit at UF which makes Gainesville a true college town. With around 50,000 students, it can be intimidating for incoming freshman, however, students soon find that with all UF has to offer it is easy to find friends who are interested in the same things as you.

Vivian from Gainesville, FL

Make sure to go to football games and plays. The Reitz Union always has some free movie on. Midtown and downtown are fun!

Food and Dining

Pretty wide selection of food on campus.

Dorm Life

There have been renovations and there are always plenty of activities.

Academic Rigor

The science classes are ridiculously hard. These tend to be weed-out courses with researchers as professors.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you always have an elective that you really want to explore and/or love, even if it's not for your major. It's a great way to expand your horizons and learn more about yourself, other students, and the university.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a challenging institute of higher learning that has definitely earned it's prestige among the public universities of the nation. It's administration in the past few years has raised tuition but remained relatively transparent about it. I have felt that the students really do come first.

Eric from Plantation, FL

06/25/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Bang for the buck

If you qualify for state resident tuition and Bright Futures, you cannot get a better deal in the state. However, tuition increases have occurred over the past several years. While the tuition is not as much as some other state universities, increases in tuition have not resulted in more academic funding, and some programs are undergoing deep cuts.

What to do for fun

Large numbers of student organizations, including cultural, heritage, and political clubs, as well as sports such as fencing, archery, lacrosse, tennis, and more. Recreational courses such as painting are also available.

Food and Dining

Maybe worth it for freshmen who eat a large amount or who do not want to use the bus system, but food is not of the best quality and is overpriced.

Dorm Life

The Honors College's dorm is probably the nicest traditional dorm, due to it being the newest of the university's housing, but is also the most expensive. A number of dorms are currently being renovated.

Academic Rigor

Definitely the most academically rigorous public school in Florida. Coursework is challenging and interesting. Libraries are open 24/7 during the week preceding and week of finals.

Tips for prospective students

Study hard and get involved on campus. Go to a couple of football games if you can.

In three sentences

The school is academically challenging, with research opportunities for many students. A large number of student organizations are also available for many interests. Students have a huge amount of school spirit.

Valerie from Miami, FL

You will get notifications for every little thing that is somewhat unusual. Also, students feel at ease walking alone since there are multiple safety lights in many locations.

Greek Life

Greek life is HUGE at UF. However, the people in the frats/sororities are not as close minded and Greek only as people make them. If a student has the opportunity to join Greek life I definitively recommend it. Once one is part of one the transition into college will be easier and more fun.

Clubs and Activities

I think UF could be one of the universities with the most diverse extracurricular clubs and activities in the country. Students will find sport clubs, academic clubs, leisure clubs, and more. One can be part of Zombies VS. Humans (game) one day and be part of AMSA (American Medical Student Association) the next day.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Zombies Vs. Humans. I am a second year student at UF and I still get shocked at this tradition. Basically, a group of students get together and divide themselves into two groups, zombies and humans. Then, throughout the week (or other length of time) the zombies hunt down the humans to turn them into zombies, and the humans hunt the zombies to turn them into humans. Most students, mainly the zombies, get very into it and even dress up with paint and ragged clothing.

Bang for the buck

Eating at midtown is not profitable. My best advice would be to have a size friendly fridge and buy groceries in order to prepare some meals. However, overall a student can live with a $300 monthly budget excluding night life.

Food and Dining

The Swamp has really good food and Mochi has the best frozen yogurt. Gator/Broward dining have good days but the food is ok. However, they have the best granola and chocolate chip cookies.

Dorm Life

It depends where you live but most dorms are very well located and accessible to the transportation system at UF to get to classes. Tolbert Hall, for example, has very nice installations but it is a bit more reserved and for students who are more focused on their studies. In contrast, Broward Hall is definitively the place to live in order to meet students.

Academic Rigor

UF provides the flexibility for student to choose the career path they want and that encourage them to excel in the courses. The teachers are demonstrate a passion to teach and are extremely helpful with their students. Classes are challenging enough to have the students engaged at all times but are not unfairly hard. I definitively believe that any student that has the dedication to excel in their studies by being at the University of Florida will be able to achieve great lengths in their professional and personal lives.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid to get involved and meet friends and get yourself out there. Also, enjoy every minute of your college experience because at UF it is definitively worth it and extremely gratifying.

In three sentences

UF is a wholesome University that prepares students with an incredible educational level. The student body is extremely spirited and proud to be Gators, as well as, welcoming to anyone and everyone.

Jennifer from Gainesville, FL

07/03/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There are many nature trails to explore, rock climbing facilities to conquer and springs to snorkel in. Additionally, there is a lovely nightlife in Gainesville with many promotions on a daily basis. I also enjoy attending the local farmers and flea markets to get locally grown and crafted things in order to add to my home and dinner table.

Food and Dining

I am a fan of the dining halls because they are buffet style. The only problem I have with them is that they are not open as long as some other campus' dining facilities are open. They close at 10pm on most days and dont open until 10am on weekends.

Dorm Life

Most of the dorms at UF are extremely old. Some of them have been renovated but they are nothing like the dorms at most of the newer universities in the state. The bathrooms are just as old as the dorms which leads to leaky faucets, tubs that don't drain, and malfunctioning toilets.

Academic Rigor

Academic rigor obviously depends on the intensity of the major that one chooses and how suited he/she is for their major. Usually majors related to the sciences, accounting, and design require the most attention. However there are some outliers in other areas too.

Tips for prospective students

Prospective students should stay focused at all times. While in college, students may find it easy to lose sight of their goals. Stay on track at all times and all of your hard work will pay off.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is an institution that prepares students for their future whether it includes continuing education or entering the job market. Professors are demanding and have high expectations of students and in some cases, it is almost impossible to achieve the longed for A at the end of the semester. However, I have learned that the amount of knowledge students receive from taking classes far outweighs the value of the grade they obtain.

Alien

07/03/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Obviously going to football games is a must, as well as the other sporting events. I would say also make it a point to go out at night to Gainesville's local establishments. And don't forget a trip to Ginnie Springs!

Food and Dining

I never did the dining hall thing, but I know people who did. I wouldn't say it's the greatest, but it will do. If you are fine with pizza and fries, then go for it.

Dorm Life

I personally did not enjoy the dorm experience. Compared to some other colleges' dorms that I have seen, they are much less appealing. This is no surprise given how old they are.

Academic Rigor

I think that this depends on your major. With the sciences, UF basically is trying to constantly weed its students out, so that the later classes will be smaller. I would say it can be hard at times to stay afloat.

Tips for prospective students

Know yourself. If you get lost in a crowd, a big school life UF may not be the right fit. However, if you join a club, student government, or greek life, it is much easier to make the big school seem much smaller.

In three sentences

UF is a big public university that may not be for everybody. Luckily, most people do love it. It has so much to offer- academics, sports, clubs- but it is sometimes hard to get a professor's full attention.

Lakshmee from Sanford, FL

07/05/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Besides amazing football games and athletic events, Gainesville has more to offer. There are wonderful bars and dance clubs around the campus which are ideal for socializing. The UF landmark restaurant, The Swamp is notorious for catching a game or relaxing with some friends. UF also offers a chance for incoming freshmen to socialize with an a friday night event, Gator Nights. These functions range from movies or performances.

Food and Dining

The food is surprisingly wonderful here at UF. If you're not eating at the dining hall there are plenty of healthy and hearty options to choose from. Ranging from Einstein's Bagels to Burger King, a quick bite is always within reach. For those late night study sessions, the University of Florida has open-late restaurants at the Reitz union.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is not ideal but it is the best way to meet life-long friends. You will experience situations which will become stories you shall share to your grandchildren one day. It's all apart of the college life and one day you will miss your freshman year roommate and the stories you share with the friends you make.

Academic Rigor

I faced many challenges in my life but none compare to the academic requirements of UF. My accomplishments were felt ten-fold which encouraged me to continuously work hard and strive for more.

Tips for prospective students

Despite the rigorous coursework and academic demands, the University of Florida has your best interest at heart. It may seem as if everything is overwhelming, just remember that you are there for a reason and only you can make your future. Always surround yourself by positive people and enjoy being a Gator, because there is nothing like it.

In three sentences

Although we are live and breathe football here in the Gator Nation, the University of Florida has exceeded my expectations as more than just an athletic university. The classes are challenging yet enjoyable whilst the people and faculty are warm and welcoming. There is nothing quite like being a Gator; it is an experience which has changed my outlook on life and education.

UF student

07/05/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The campus is patrolled daily by police officers, and there are emergency stations all over the campus to call UF security. They arrive very quickly, and ensure student safety. UF also offers a free taxi service at night to students who feel uncomfortable walking home alone at a late hour.

Greek Life

Greek life is fairly strong at the university, with about 15% of students participating in a fraternity or sorority. I personally do not want to get involved with Greek life, but for those interested, there are many different fraternities or sororities to choose from.

Clubs and Activities

There are over 975 student organizations at the University of Florida. There is a club for everyone!

Great for these types of students

UF is great for intelligent students looking for a school with great research opportunities, students with a desire to experience a traditional college life, and students looking for a university with great sports.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are many traditions on campus. At orientation, you will receive a book that lists all of UF's traditions, and you will be given a chance to complete all these traditions so that you can earn a medal at your graduation.

Bang for the buck

UF offers one of the cheapest in-state tuition costs. While tuition is rising for all public universities, UF is definitely a top university for the cost.

What to do for fun

There are a lot of opportunities to have fun here on campus. There are always events going on in the residence hall and around campus. There are many interesting clubs, guest speakers, and music artists on campus. If you're looking for fun off campus, there is a mall and a movie theater, as well as hiking trails, and beautiful lakes for those that enjoy the outdoors.

Food and Dining

The dining halls offer a variety of great tasting food. However, if you do not wish to eat at the dining halls, there are many fast food places, restaurants, and eateries all over campus and in Gainesville.

Dorm Life

There are many friendly people in the dorms, and there are many different residence halls to choose from. If you are an honors student, you can reside at Hume, which offers a luxurious housing option for excellent students.

Academic Rigor

UF is one of the best universities in the southeast, and offers the most research opportunities out of any university in Florida. UF currently has the highest ranked medical school in Florida according to US News, and has the best engineering program in Florida. UF also has a world-renown college of agricultural and life sciences, with programs such as Agricultural and Biological Engineering being ranked 3rd in the country according to US News.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to really work on your application to UF to make sure there are no errors. Aim for an SAT and ACT score within their middle 50% (somewhere between a 1900 and 2100 for the SAT and 27-31 for the ACT) or better, and make sure to take many rigorous classes in high school. Also, show a passion for attending UF in your essays or elsewhere on your application.

In three sentences

University of Florida is an academic and athletic powerhouse, with many great research opportunities and programs, as well as great athletic programs. There are many bright and interesting students, as well.

Dung from Jacksonville, FL

Not many incidents, but practical knowledge is a must. Do not walk alone late at night or drink&drive at the same time. Simple.

Clubs and Activities

There are almost a 1,000 student organizations.... must I say more? -professional -social - athletic - art - You name it; if it doesn't exist, you can create one for it.

Great for these types of students

1) Students who are interested in research. 2) The architecture program is amazing! 3) Students who want to live in a college town. 4) Students who are not sure about what to major in; the university has many and much of the colleges within it are great.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

-Painting the wall off of 34th Street -Watching the bats fly at sunset -Attending Gatornights

Bang for the buck

Although tuition has been rising for the past several years, UF is still quite affordable in consideration to everything that it has to offer.

What to do for fun

On campus, there are often events held by student organizations. Concerts, festivals, weekly Gator Nights, theatrical performances, and comedy shows are a few among the many!

Food and Dining

There are two dining halls and several hubs where you can get food. The options are good, going to the fast and cheap to healthy-but affordable- options. Within walking distance of campus are also many food shops and restaurants.

Dorm Life

I did not live on campus, but the dorms that I've been to seem pretty average.

Academic Rigor

Professors are easy to approach and knowledgeable. As with any other college, how much you put into your classes equates to the amount you learn.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus in person to see get a true experience of the campus lifestyle. Despite its size, UF does not feel so big after all.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is an incredibly diverse university offering a variety options for interests ranging from educational to recreational. It is also has a reputation around the world for research.

Kerby from Tampa, FL

07/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

UF is notorious for it's party and Greek life, however there's plenty for the straight edge kids too. There's countless clubs, sports, and other organizations open to anyone interested in joining, and I always see at least 5 daily looking for new recruits.

Food and Dining

The food is alright; better than my mom's cooking! However it can get a little boring but there's plenty of facilities on campus that take Flex Bucks -- $100-175 for spending on whatever you want outside of your meal plan.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is okay. I'm only in my first semester, and I'm in a single, so I'm probably not the best to judge. However, the RAs work very hard to make sure everyone is happy, and we often plan events for our floor to do together (movie night, for example.)

Academic Rigor

It really depends on the class, however, due to the qualifications required to simply be accepted, it's easy to say that the University does its best to keep the students involved and learning rather than stagnate.

Tips for prospective students

Remember to get involved! It can be a little weird getting to know people all over again, especially when you've grown up with essentially the same classmates. Don't try to be roommates with your friends; a random person who shares some common interests might be just what you need.

In three sentences

UF is a very big school with a lot of spirit. It isn't hard to find someone or something you like and want to get involved with, and everyone is exceptionally supportive. UF wasn't my first choice college, but I don't feel that way anymore.

Jihan from Boca Raton, FL

The campus police are always making sure the students are safe. They alert the students via text message, email and facebook. I've never felt unsafe on campus.

Great for these types of students

University of Florida is great for students who love to socialize, are very spirited and want to experience an incredible time at college while having a top-notch education.

What to do for fun

There is plenty of things to do on campus. I like to go to Gator Nights every Friday because they show a free movie with free popcorn. When I need to study, I spend most of my time at Library West because they have a Starbucks downstairs and are open 24 hours every weekday. I also like to spend some time at the gym because I still want to be in shape.

Food and Dining

I love the food on campus. I really like to eat at Broward Dining when I feel like eating pasta but sometimes, I go to Gator Dining because they have the best desserts.

Dorm Life

I suggest if it's your first year, you should stay on campus just to experience what it's like being on campus. Spending my first year in a dorm, I made connections with fantastic people. I even met my best friend because she was my floor mate.

Academic Rigor

The school work is actually hard if you don't try hard. If you don't put in your best effort, your not going to see any results. After I adjusted my study habits and actually realized this is not high school anymore, my grades improved. Many of my professors were amusing and made the class worth attending every week!

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid once you see the campus. It will get smaller as you get to know the campus. And don't spend the whole semester in your dorm room. There is the football games, the organizations on campus and Gator Night, where you will you meet a friend, or a prospective roommate.

In three sentences

When I think of UF, I think life. The school is teeming with active students, passionate about what they are there for. I don't believe you could ever have a boring day on campus.

Dawn from Deland, FL

There are two gyms on campus, and if you check the school multiple websites you can find events going on on-campus, or search Gainesville for stuff off campus.

Food and Dining

Food's great, and there are several places to eat. You do not want to be a picky eater because they change up what they have and you must be willing to try new things and explore.

Dorm Life

Get into a good dorm and find people with different interests and majors who are friendly and active. They can get you into fun clubs and/or sports so you are not bored in your dorm.

Academic Rigor

The University of Florida is for students who want to try and are willing to put forth effort to obtain an education.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure your G.P.A. is high and that you have a decent SAT/ACT score. With this and a combination of clubs, you should be able to get into this school.

In three sentences

An excellent school with friendly people. The city is a nice place with something to do practically every night. If you want an active, fun, interesting community with a prestigious education, this is the school for you.

Sean from Palm City, FL

07/11/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There is a police force dedicated to protecting the UF campus. They are known as the UF Police Department. There are emergency blue poles throughout campus with a button that connects one directly to UFPD in case of emergency.

Great for these types of students

UF encourages students to live a well-balanced life. They want the more serious, studious students to go out and have fun once in a while and to join a club or two. Also, they want the more laid back students to focus on studying by joining study groups and going to the 24/7 libraries. Another thing that I personally liked about UF was that many students enjoy exercising and leading a healthy lifestyle.

Bang for the buck

Although in-state tuition is affordable, it isn't cheap! Right now tuition is around $182 per semester credit hour and is due to increase.

What to do for fun

There are a myriad of clubs, organizations, and sports to join at UF. There are intramural and club sports for those who like to do a certain sport as a hobby. Clubs range from everything from chemistry club to dance club, and even underwater basket weaving! Also, the Greek life at UF is great for those who want to get involved in a fraternity and sorority.

Food and Dining

Don't trust the food they serve at UF Preview, it's a lot better than the normal food that they serve in the dining hall. It's not that that the food is bad, it's just not always healthy. If you like to eat a lot and don't have time to cook for yourself, then the dining hall is right for you! (also hit the gym often if you want to keep off the freshman 15)

Dorm Life

Some of the dorms are cramped (triple rooms) but well maintained. Cleaning is done Monday-Friday. Rooming off-campus is another option because it is usually less expensive than an on-campus dorm.

Tips for prospective students

Visit UF and fall in love (or not) with the campus as soon as possible. Learn about the plethora of opportunities UF has to offer. Most importantly...do NOT sit during a Gator football game!

In three sentences

UF provides a many opportunities for students who strive to pursue their interests and hobbies. It is a school where personal interests, athletics, community service, and having fun are just as important as academics. One will be surrounded by students with 3.9+ GPA (unweighted) and that are in the top 5% of their class, which provides a learning environment in which everybody wants to succeed and do well academically.

Jaclyn from Largo, FL

07/12/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Clubs and Activities

There are sports clubs, ethnic clubs, philanthropy clubs, honor societies, academic clubs, some clubs that do not fit in these categories. These clubs include Harry Potter club and Humans v. Zombies club. There are so many, it is impossible to not find one you want to join and if you don't find one you like you can create your own.

Bang for the buck

Football game days are awesome. Just seeing all of the alumni that travel from all over in their decked out gator motor homes and cars that park on every empty patch of grass on campus is great. Once a gator, always a gator. You truly feel part of the gator nation on game days. Tailgates are so much fun and just seeing a mass of orange and blue traveling to the stadium before kick-off is really neat to see.

What to do for fun

There is always a sporting even on campus whether its collegiate or club level. There are gyms with group fitness classes, four pools on campus, a lake that is not too far away that has a ropes course and rock climbing, kayaks, canoes, and floating dock.

Food and Dining

The food seems great at first but the dining halls end up repeating foods a lot. They do try to have special themed nights and of course there are the regular chain restaurants available including Panda Express Papa Johns, Chikfila, Burger King, Einsteins, Starbucks, Freshens, Quiznos, Subway, and Tropical Smoothie.

Dorm Life

Some of the dorms are older and run down while others have been renovated. Dorm life is great for first year students. There are always events and activities that the housing communities put on for those living on campus.

Academic Rigor

There are definitely challenging classes but tutoring is available through the school and outside tutoring places. Don't hesitate to ask questions or ask for help. You never want to be in a situation where you need to drop a class and forfeit a scholarship or financial aid because you didn't ask for help.

Tips for prospective students

Join an organization or club, make sure you get involved because there is something for everyone. You can find great groups of people that relate to you.

In three sentences

The University of Florida offers opportunities for all types of students: transfer students, graduate students, study abroad students, no matter what your age is. They challenge you to do your best and make sure you get the best education available. There is always something to do whether it is related to sports, clubs, fitness, or leisure.

Ana from Orlando, FL

07/12/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Greek Life

Greek life is big on campus! It is a great opportunity to network and make personal and professional connections! There are four councils at UF, the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council, the National Panhellenic Council, and the Multicultural Greek Council. If you are interested in UF's greek life, research is a must!

Great for these types of students

Any student will be able to find his/her niche on campus!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Krishna lunch at Plaza of the Americas Annual Underwear Dash

What to do for fun

With over 950 student organizations on campus, there is more than plenty to do for fun! You can find an organization that fits your interests, join a sport, take group fitness classes at the gym, and of course, go out on the town! Gainesville offers plenty of opportunities for students to have fun nights out on the town, every day of the week!

Tips for prospective students

Make the best out of your first weeks on campus. This is the time to make new friends and get to know campus. If you are able to attend Summer B prior to starting your freshman year, I highly recommend it! It's a great opportunity to get a feel of the university and make yourself at home.

In three sentences

The University of Florida is a great university! You are able to make the most out of your college experience with a large variety of academic majors and involvement opportunities. It really IS great to be a Florida Gator!

Julia from Gaineville, FL

07/13/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Clubs and Activities

UF has ENDLESS opportunities for clubs. You can learn to dance, be in a dance showcase, do community service of any kind at all, or even join a club that has to do with your major so you can get some insight on how the industry works. Join a club or two, and your weeknights won't be boring at all =)

Great for these types of students

As I mentioned before, Gatornights is great at UF. There is always a lot to do and a great movie playing. Gatornights is especially great for students who aren't interested in the typical college drinking on weekends. I would much rather hang out with friends at Gatornights or at the gym instead of going to bars or parties. Gatornights is also great because you can bring a non UF guest. So you don't have to steer clear of campus activities if your friends or family don't have a UF ID.

What to do for fun

Gatornights is a great deal at UF! At the Reitz Union you can see recently releases movies for free as well do awesome crafts. Free popcorn and sodas are served for the movie and the food court is usually open as well. Going to SW Rec is also fun because you can just store your stuff in a locker and explore the endless opportunities in that amazing facility.

Food and Dining

There is a wide variety of food and dining on campus, all conveniently located! Right across the street from UF is decently priced food of every kind! Jimmy John's, Pita Pit, Sushi, BBQ, and much more! Between restaurants and dining halls, you won't go hungry in Gainesville.

Dorm Life

Although I did not live in a dorm, I have heard about some experiences. Freshman seem to be very satisfied living in a dorm for the first semester or even a year. Its a great experience to have. After living in a dorm, my friends have enjoyed transitioning into a more roomy apartment.

Academic Rigor

Classes are tough overall. Sometimes you get a class that seems like your getting a little break from the intensity of college, however, you are more likely to have to put in a lot of work and time into your classes. Visiting teachers during office hours is a great idea because that's the best help you can get. If it is an assembly class (tons of people) and you know your weak in the subject (i.e. chemistry) then I recommend the Broward Teaching Center and possibly a one-on-one tutor from Broward.

Tips for prospective students

Think about how you prefer to get to school. Living off campus, I take the bus, which is great because I live close enough that its a short ride. Biking to school is the BEST if the weather is nice, plus its environmentally friendly! Also, put some thought into your major, but don't over think it. There are endless opportunities with ANY and EVERY major.

In three sentences

UF is a beautiful campus with lots of trees and grass, which makes it enjoyable to walk through, eat lunch outside, and hang out with friends. Classes are tough, but mostly fair. Overall, UF is great at academics and sports.